Noise
It is a fact that most people from time to time will be disturbed by noise whether they live in suburbia or on a rural lifestyle block. We should understand that we all make noise from normal activities whether this is just playing music, entertaining or working around the home.
Australia’s climate lends itself to entertaining outside and more than 40% of the entire City’s noise complaints relate to noise from music. This can seriously reduce a person’s quality of life especially if the noise occurs late at night preventing sleep.
Dealing with Residential Noise
Very often the best approach for dealing with a neighbour who is causing you concerns is to talk to them and work together to resolve the problem. Often people will be unaware that they are disturbing you and discussing this problem early on can help a neighbour understand your concerns and be more considerate in the future.
Tips for talking to your neighbour
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If you decide to speak with your neighbour plan what you are going to say and remember a pleasant and calm approach is more likely to achieve the desired outcome.
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Choose the best time to visit your neighbour and explain how the noise is distressing you and if possible, offer solutions.
Some people may feel anxious about talking to neighbours and it is understandable if a resident does not feel comfortable in approaching them in this way.
Lodging a noise complaint
Should approaching your neighbour not resolve the issue or you feel uncomfortable approaching your neighbour, you can lodge a noise complaint with the City of Joondalup. This can be done by contacting Environmental Health Services, visiting one of our customer service desks, telephoning on 9400 4933 or via e-mail to: info@joondalup.wa.gov.au .
Whilst your details will not be divulged to an alleged offender, it may be possible for them to deduce exactly which of the neighbours has lodged the complaint.
When lodging a noise complaint you will be advised which officer will be dealing with this complaint and you may be asked to maintain a log identifying dates and times of the noise occurrences.
Lodging an anonymous noise complaint
Fear of retribution is often forefront in the minds of people lodging a complaint and it is often tempting to make the complaint anonymously. You should be reassured that complainant details are never revealed to an alleged offender without your express permission. Despite this, it may be possible for the alleged offender to deduce exactly which of their neighbours has lodged the complaint (through previous altercations or location or layout of dwellings) and so lodging an anonymous complaint may not actually serve its purpose.
Additionally, lodging an anonymous complaint severely limits the City in helping to resolve a noise issue. Not knowing the location of where the noise is being heard makes it impossible to verify the complaint and prevents the City gathering vital evidence that is required should formal action be required.
Assistance for After Hours Noise
For assistance for noise that occurs outside business hours it is recommended you contact City Watch on 1300 655 860 or the Police on 131 444. You are requested not to make more than two calls to City Watch for the same occurrence and if the noise continues you should consider contacting the Police direct. Please note that the Police have to prioritise calls for assistance and they may not be able to attend as soon as you would like.
Guidelines and Information on Various Noise Types
The following links will provide some guidelines and information on some of the most frequent complaints the City receives:
You may also wish to visit the following web site State Law Publishers and follow the links to the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.
Should you wish to discuss a noise concern you may have, please contact the City on 9400 4933.
