What to do when noise annoys

By Shepparton News

Jan 27, 2025

Sometimes, noise pollution can get too much. What can you do when you’ve had enough? Photo by Ray Sizer

Are you being annoyed by noise, from industry, construction, loud entertainment venues or just noisy neighbours?

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Environment Protection Authority Victoria has a quick guide on whom to call when it’s all too loud.

EPA Victoria chief executive Lee Miezis said excessive noise was not just annoying, it could harm your health and the environment, too.

“EPA, your local council and Victoria Police all play a role in enforcing the regulations, and it is not just about volume limits,” Mr Miezis said.

“Noise can cause harm when it disturbs sleep or interferes with rest and recreation.

“That’s all part of the General Environmental Duty, Victorian law that makes it everyone’s responsibility to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk of harm to people and the environment.”

And since the General Environmental Duty applies to everyone, EPA urges you to remember that you might be the noisy one if you’re not being considerate.

“This summer, be kind to the environment and your community; fulfil your environmental duty, assess how your activities may impact the environment, your community and your neighbours, and take whatever action is necessary,” Mr Miezis said.

Noise is one of the most common types of pollution reported to the EPA.

In 2024, the EPA received over 7700 reports, nearly a quarter of complaints about shops and offices and 18 per cent from residences.

Industry accounted for 15 per cent of noise complaints, construction sites 13 per cent, indoor entertainment venues eight per cent, and outdoor entertainment events and venues four per cent.

At the lower end of the scale, major infrastructure projects were less than two per cent and wind turbines less than one per cent of complaints.

“In the early days of COVID-19 in 2020-21, reports of noise from residences more than doubled, and reports about industrial premises dropped to less than half,” Mr Miezis said.