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.
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.
