Acceptable noise levels and complaints

Noise can disrupt sleep and interfere with daily activities. If loud enough, it can also have a negative impact on people's health.

Complaints not handled by Council

Brisbane City Council does not deal with noise complaints about:

• music, loud stereos, parties, rowdy behaviour and burglar alarms. Report a complaint online with the Queensland Police
• premises with a liquor licence that are not located within the Special Entertainment Precinct as identified in the Brisbane City Plan 2000. Contact the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation on 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
• state government properties or activities that are regulated by the state government. Contact the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation on on 1300 130 372
• off-road noisy vehicles and trail bikes. Report a complaint online with the Queensland Police
• on-road noisy vehicles and trail bikes. Contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads on 13 23 80
• aircraft noise. Report a complaint online with Airservices Australia who manage complaints on behalf of the Australian Government.

Exemptions

The Environmental Protection Act 1994 provides exemptions from noise created from:

• road maintenance
• road noise
• traffic signals
• railway or railway signals
• public transport infrastructure
• ship noise
• aircraft noise
• maintaining public infrastructure, including:
  • water and sewage services
  • facilities for telecommunications or electricity

  Guide to decibel levels

  Some noise regulations include a maximum loudness in decibels. Here are usual decibel levels for everyday situations:

  • quiet room in a house - 20 to 30 decibels
  • daytime in a quiet residential street - 35 to 45 decibels
  • large busy office - 50 to 60 decibels
  • lawn mower from 15 metres away - 70 decibels.

  Residential premises

  Council can issue an on-the-spot fine or an Environmental Enforcement Order for nuisance residential noise. An Environmental Enforcement Order will detail the offence and the timeframe the offender has to fix the problem. If the Environmental Enforcement Order is not complied with, Council may issue an on-the-spot fine or prosecute the offender in severe cases.

  The Environmental Protection Act 1994 outlines allowable noise levels for different types of equipment and activities.

  Commercial and industrial premises

  Some commercial and industrial properties have development approvals and conditions which must be complied with. If a company does not comply, Council may issue a Show Cause Notice or an Enforcement Notice.

  An Enforcement Notice can require the company to comply with the development conditions, take specific action, or stop the activity causing the noise issues. Council can also prosecute offenders under the Planning Act 2016.

  How to lodge a complaint

  Find out how to lodge a complaint about a nuisance issue.