If it is appropriate and safe to do so, EPA encourages you to first speak to the people making the noise. They might not know that the noise is a problem and could quickly resolve the issue.
Reporting common types of noise complaints
Below are some common sources of noise and the authorities you can contact to report a complaint.
At EPA, we will do our best to help you. Sometimes, this means referring you to another authority that is better suited to handle your enquiry more effectively.
If you don’t know who you should call, contact us and we can help.
| Type of noise |
Examples |
Who you can report to |
| Residential noise and residential construction noise |
- air conditioners
- pool pumps
- house parties
- stereo systems
- residential construction and demolition activities
|
- Council
- Victoria Police (when you need response after-hours)
|
| Commercial or industrial noise |
- restaurants
- gyms
- supermarkets
- manufacturing
- utilities
- commercial construction
|
|
| Music from entertainment venues |
- theatres and concert halls
- sporting events
- stadiums and festival grounds
- pubs, clubs and bars
|
- EPA
- Council
- Victoria Police
- Liquor Commission Victoria (licensed premises like pubs, clubs and bars)
|
| Major projects or state government activities |
- major infrastructure projects – for example, major road projects
- state government managed land use – for example, public schools or prisons
- noise from wind turbines
|
|
Who you can contact with other noise complaints
-
Report cars and vehicles driving with noisy exhausts to the police.
For road traffic noise, you can contact the Department of Transport, your local council or the companies that manage the road.
There are times when the Regulations don’t allow unreasonable noise from vehicles on private property. You can report this to your local council.
For noise from public transport services, you can contact the companies that manage them. Only contact the Public Transport Ombudsman Victoria after you have given public transport companies the chance to respond to your concern.
Report noisy exhaust from large trucks and buses over 4.5 tonnes to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
Report noise from train and tram maintenance to us on 1300 372 842.
-
Construction noise requirements are usually part of a project’s approval conditions.
The infrastructure project builder will have contractual obligations to manage noise and vibration.
For noise from major infrastructure projects, you can contact Victoria’s Big Build on 1800 105 105 (24 hours/7 days).
Find out more about Victoria’s major road and rail projects.
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Noise from major road projects, including road upgrades, are managed by Major Road Projects Victoria.
For noise from major infrastructure projects, you can contact Victoria’s Big Build on 1800 105 105 (24 hours/7 days).
For noise from routine road repair and maintenance, you can contact VicRoads, your local council, or the companies that manage the road.
If you aren’t sure who manages the road, see Victoria’s road network.
-
You can report concerns about wind energy facility noise emissions to the wind energy facility operator. The operator will respond according to their complaints management procedures. If unresolved, report concerns about noise pollution to us on 1300 372 842.
If you need further help, contact the Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner (AEIC).
Reviewed 13 September 2024
