Noise

Chainsaws can only be used for one day in any seven consecutive days on residential premises within 300 metres of another residential premises.

This also includes other garden maintenance equipment powered by an engine.

This includes the use of tractors, graders, rollers, dump trucks, front-end loaders, backhoes, mobile cranes and excavators, power tools, mixers and their drives, pumps and their drives, gas or air compressors, and generators.

This includes instruments and sound amplifying equipment.

Noise emitted from stereos at night or weekends, and noise from neighbourhood parties should be directed to Tasmania Police on 131 444.

This includes motor vessels and outboard motors.

Noise caused by moving motor vehicles in and out of residential premises is excluded from the listed prohibited hours of use.

If you are bothered by neighbouring noise from cars, we suggest that you speak with your neighbour directly, or through a body corporate if it is a shared driveway for an apartment complex.

Noise from motor vehicles on roads should be directed to Tasmania Police on 131 444.

If you are experiencing noise from barking dogs, you can let us know through our online form.

For more information, visit the animal problems and concerns page.

Complaints about noise from other animals, such as roosters, can be made by reporting a noise concern.

Fixed equipment includes domestic heating equipment, systems for the production of hot water, air conditioners, evaporative coolers, pumps, generators or wind turbines. This equipment is permanently installed in the location in which it will operate.

The effects of noise on owners and neighbours must be considered before fixed equipment is installed. Noise problems usually happen when equipment is installed too close to neighbouring houses.

The following points should be considered when choosing an installation site:

• Empathy: Consider the likely impact of noise from the closest neighbour's perspective.
• Unit selection: Select equipment that suits the needs of the owner as well as the surrounding environment.
• Proximity to bedrooms: Install equipment as far away from owners' and neighbours' bedrooms as possible. Sleep disturbance from intrusive noise is the most common type of noise complaint.
• Unit orientation: Direct fans away from neighbours' windows and outdoor entertainment areas. If fans directly face such areas then the potential for noise intrusion increases.
• Unit mounting: Avoid installing equipment on the walls of buildings. An elevated position allows noise to travel easily to neighbouring buildings. Equipment should be mounted on solid ground-level bases if possible. Rubber pads can be attached to mountings to minimise noisy vibrations.
• Acoustic barriers: Boundary fences, walls and foliage located between equipment and neighbouring buildings can help reduce noise levels and noise transmission. Use these to your advantage when selecting a site.

Fixed equipment noise regulations

Air conditioning units and other forms of fixed equipment must comply with the requirements of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Noise) Regulations 2016.

These state that a person must not operate fixed equipment on any premises:

• from 7 am until 10 pm, if the fixed equipment, when so operated, emits noise that is greater than 45dB(A)
• from 10 pm until 7 am, if the fixed equipment, when so operated, emits a noise that is greater than 40dB(A).

Complaints about noise from public events should be directed to the event organiser. If that is not possible, contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.