The Environment Protection Act 2017 (the Act) and the Environment Protection Regulations 2021 (the Regulations) change the way noise emissions are assessed and managed in Victoria. 

The Act introduces a duties-based framework, with the general environmental duty (GED) at the centre. The GED requires any person engaging in an activity that may give rise to risks of harm to human health or the environment from pollution or waste to minimise those risks so far as reasonably practicable. Pollution includes the emission of noise.

In addition to the GED, under section 166 of the Act, a person (including businesses, entertainment venues and event organisers and operators and other duty holders) must not emit, or permit the emission of, 'unreasonable noise'. The Act sets out factors that may establish when noise will be unreasonable noise. The Regulations also prescribe what is unreasonable noise from entertainment venues and outdoor entertainment events.

 
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1. Purpose and scope

Footnotes

EPA guidance does not impose compliance obligations. Guidance is designed to help duty holders understand their obligations under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and subordinate instruments, including by providing examples of approaches to compliance. In doing so, guidance may refer to, restate, or clarify EPA’s approach to statutory obligations in general terms. It does not constitute legal or other professional advice, and should not be relied on as a statement of the law. Because it has broad application, it may contain generalisations that are not applicable to you or your particular circumstances.

You should obtain professional advice or contact EPA if you have specific concerns. EPA has made every reasonable effort to provide current and accurate information, but does not make any guarantees regarding the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information.

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Reviewed 14 June 2024