The City of Stirling is a predominantly urban environment consisting of a mix of residential, commercial and industrial uses. Noise is defined as ‘unwanted sound’, and the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 (Noise Regulations) aim is to protect people from unnecessary disturbance from noise.
The City’s Noise Information Guide provides advice on how best to achieve compliance with the Noise Regulations. Some types of noise, such as antisocial party noise, traffic on roads and safety warning devices are not bound by the Noise Regulations, and some types of noisy activities may be carried out in accordance with strict conditions.
Residential noise
Noise can come from a number of residential activities such as parties, renovations and appliances. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, unreasonable noise can be considered as an offence and is subject to regulatory controls.
When noise is causing a problem, we recommend that you approach your neighbour, politely discuss the issue and work together to reach a resolution. If the noise is ongoing, you can report a noise issue to the City for investigation. A mediation service is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau (08) 9221 5711 and may assist you to reach a resolution.
Construction noise
The assigned noise levels specified in the Noise Regulations do not apply to construction work between 7.00am and 7.00pm from Monday to Saturday. Work on a construction site is not permitted on a Sunday or Public Holiday with the exception of quiet activities, e.g. painting.
While construction noise is exempt during the specified times, radio and music systems used on the sites must comply with the assigned noise levels found in the Regulations.
Party noise
Party noise generally exceeds the assigned noise levels. However, most neighbours will tolerate a one-off-party if they are notified before the party starts.
If you experience a noise disturbance as the result of a one-off party, please phone the City’s Community Patrol team on 1300 365 356. For immediate police attendance for a noise complaint, please contact WA Police by phoning 131 444. Please note, Community Patrol and WA Police must prioritise calls for assistance and may not be able to attend.
Hosting a party
Celebrating special occasions can be fun, but it’s important that your guests are safe and disruption is kept to a minimum in your neighbourhood.
Here are some tips to keep your party enjoyable, without being spoiled by uninvited guests or upset neighbours.
Hosting a party
- Send invitations to your guests with the time and location of your party
- If there is a lack of parking, suggest that your guests car share, take a taxi or use public transport and check that guest vehicles aren’t illegally parked or causing an obstruction
- Speak to your neighbours about a reasonable volume for music. Also, consider reducing the volume after 10pm
- If you have guests under the age of 18, create a list of guardian contact numbers, and do not serve them alcohol
- Encourage your guests to drink water and eat between alcoholic drinks
- Ask everyone to leave the party quietly so they don’t disturb your neighbours
- Help them to arrange lifts or taxis, and don’t let them drive if they have been drinking.
Find more information from the WA Police Hosting a Party Guidelines.
Scarborough Beach Reserve – Regulation 19B Venue Approval for sporting, cultural or entertainment events
In November 2024, the City sought the community’s advice to inform a Regulation 19B1 venue approval for the vibrant Scarborough Beach Reserve and invited feedback on draft venue noise approval conditions for events.
The conditions allow for the continuation of current events while balancing the impact on surrounding residents; including provisions for notifying residents about events that may impact them, and how the community can provide feedback about events.
1. Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997
Based on insights from Feels Like Scarborough and a survey to residents within a 1km radius, it was identified that the majority of the community were supportive of an increase in the number of events in the Scarborough Entertainment Precinct to what was in the draft conditions.
This feedback has been incorporated into the final venue conditions, with the following table summarising the event types, duration and maximum numbers:
| Event type | Maximum duration | Start/finish time | Maximum number of events | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Days | Hours | 12 months | 30 days | |||
| Concert | 10 hours | Sundays - Thursdays | 10.00am - 10.00pm | 10 | 25 combined total | 6 combined total |
| Fridays, Saturdays and any day preceding a public holiday | 10.00am - 11.00pm1 | |||||
| General | 6 hours | Sundays - Thursdays | 10.00am - 10.00pm | 25 | ||
| Fridays, Saturdays and any day preceding a public holiday | 10.00am - 11.00pm1 | |||||
| Community | 5 hours | All days | 7.00am2 - 10.00pm | 70 | 8 | |
1. Events which start on New Year's Eve (31 December) and end on New Year's Day (1 January) may finish at 1.00am.
2. On four occasions within a 12-month period, community events may start at 5.00am.
The following event categories were identified as potentially impacting residents:
| Event type | Example events |
|---|---|
| Concert Events are events with up to 10 hours of moderate to loud music, such as a music festival or concert which can clearly be heard from surrounding properties. |
|
| General Events are events with up to six hours of moderate to loud music, with a mix of DJ and live music which can clearly be heard from surrounding properties. |
|
| Community Events are events with up to five hours of moderate music, which includes one - three locations within the Scarborough precinct with DJs or small acoustic bands providing background music in support to community markets. |
|
Following the community survey, and consideration of submissions received, the City’s Chief Executive Officer has now approved a three (3) year Regulation 19B venue approval for the Scarborough Beach Reserve, as published in the Government Gazette Tuesday 1 April 2025.
Notification of the ‘Venue Approval’ and the appeals process is being communicated to residents within a 1km radius via letter drop, and via the City’s website to mirror the initial consultation process.
A person aggrieved by a decision such as the venue being approved, or a condition of the venue approval may lodge an appeal with the Minister for Environment. The appeal must be lodged within 21 days of publication of the venue approval in the Government Gazette (effective from Tuesday 1 April 2025).
This process is governed by the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997, and during this time the CEO's decision regarding the venue approval or conditions remains in place. Please contact the City’s Environmental Health team on 9205 8555 or email stirling@stirling.wa.gov.au with any questions.
Reporting a noise issue
If noise is regularly disturbing you and you believe that the requirements for noise are not being met, you may lodge a noise investigation request with the City. Anonymous, vexatious or incomplete requests are unable to be investigated.
Please note, swearing, shouting and other anti-social behaviour is a Police matter and will not be investigated by the City.
A mediation service is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau (08) 9221 5711 and may assist you to reach a resolution.
Environmental Health receives a large number of requests in relation to various matters. These are dealt with in order of receipt or in some instances by priority as determined by the City.
