Animals & Environment
Environmental Nuisances
Council receives numerous enquiries regarding nuisance complaints and restrictions within the Council area. The following information aims to answer some of the more common questions asked by residents.
On receipt of a bona fide complaint, Council will write to both parties and inform them of the relevant provisions of the legislation. Fact sheets relevant to nuisance are also provided. If further complaints on the issue are received, officers will inspect and investigate the validity of the complaint.
Local Government powers under the Environmental Protection Regulations are restricted to a nuisance, which emanates from a residential property. All other nuisance complaints should be directed to the Environmental Protection Agency.
Which Complaints are Administered by Council?
- They must relate to an emission from residential land.
- Generally, the complaint can be about any emission, eg, ash, dust, fumes, noise, odour or smoke.
- Noise from residential building work. The regulation allows audible noise between 6:30am and 6:30pm Monday to Saturday.
- Noise from mowers, power tools, etc. The regulation allows this type of noise from 7:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Saturday and from 8:00am to 7:00pm on Sundays.
- Noise from spas, pool pumps and air conditioners. The regulation provides for decibel noise limits from this equipment and can vary dependant on the time of day and type of equipment.
Please view the Noise Nuisance Guidelines (34KB PDF) for information on the allowable time for noise to be emitted.
Note: Backyard burning is not permitted within built up areas, particularly if complaints regarding a smoke nuisance are made.
Which Complaints are NOT Administered by Council?
- Noise from loud music, which remains a Police issue.
- Noise from loud parties, which remains a Police issue.
- Noise from vehicles, which remains a Police issue.
- Noise from industrial and other non-residential premises are the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Noise from boats and jet skis are the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Nuisance Factsheets
A set of factsheets on different types of nuisances has been developed for residents' information. Please click on the attachment below for a copy of the factsheet.
- Air Conditioning Equipment Noise (45KB PDF)
- Amplifier Devices Noise (36KB PDF)
- Building Work Noise (47KB PDF)
- Dust Nuisance - Construction Sites (48KB PDF)
- Light Nuisance (35KB PDF)
- Noise Nuisance (35KB PDF)
- Odour - Septic Tanks (79KB PDF)
- Odour Nuisance (118KB PDF)
- Pool Pumps & Spa Blowers Noise (43KB PDF)
- Power Boats [on land] Noise (96KB PDF)
- Refrigeration Equipment Noise (35KB PDF)
- Regulated Devices Noise (78KB PDF)
- Smoke From Chimneys (43KB PDF)
- Spray Drift Nuisance (34KB PDF)
- Waste Vehicles & Associated Noise (146KB PDF)
A Point Worth Noting
Making a minor complaint about a neighbour to any State or Local Government office can often do more harm than good. It simply creates more bad feelings. A little tolerance goes a long way, as no doubt you will sometimes do something that will annoy your neighbour. If possible, discuss your mutual concerns. Despite all the goodwill in the world, it is acknowledged that there are times when assistance from a third party is necessary.
When all else fails, you could also contact the
Courts Precinct - 46 East Street
(PO Box 542) Rockhampton Q 4700
Phone: 07 4938 4249 Fax: 07 4938 4294
Website: www.justice.qld.gov.au
The Centre is a Government provided free mediation and facilitation service, which deals with workplace, family, neighbourhood, commercial, organisational, environmental and multi-party disputes.