Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017
In NSW the principal legal mechanisms for managing offensive noise are the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017.
Have your say
We want your input on how neighbourhood noise sources are regulated. Consultation on the draft Noise Control Regulation 2026 is open on our portal until 5pm Wednesday 11 March.
The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 defines offensive noise and creates noise-related offences. The Noise Control Regulation supplements the POEO Act by providing specific tools and requirements for managing noise from motor vehicles, marine vessels and common neighbourhood noise sources such as air conditioners, intruder alarms, amplified music and power tools.
The Regulation includes provisions to manage noise from the following sources:
Motor vehicles
- provides for the use of various motor vehicle and motor vehicle accessories devices such as horns and alarms
- sets prescribed noise limits for motor vehicles
- provides enforcement agencies with supplementary control options including on-the-spot fines for certain offences and the power to issue other types of notices.
Marine vessels
- regulates noise emitted from the use of marine vessels
- requires the maintenance of noise control equipment on marine vessels
- prohibits the emission of offensive noise from a musical instrument or sound system on a vessel.
Noisy articles
- sets time limits for the use of certain articles on residential property including gardening equipment, air conditioners, tools and pumps, where the noise caused can be heard in a habitable room of another residence
- prohibits the selling of certain articles that emit noise above prescribed levels, such as lawn mowers, edge cutters, string trimmers and brush cutters
- requires labelling of certain other noise emitting articles such as chainsaws, air compressors, pavement breakers, garbage compactors
- allows for the inspection and testing of certain articles
- restricts the playing of loud musical instruments and sound systems that disturb neighbours
- controlling the time a building alarm may sound before incurring a penalty
- allows European Union labelled outdoor power equipment to be sold in NSW without additional labelling
- adopts sound power level as a common metric for noisy articles.
Shooting ranges
- formalises testing procedures for determining noise levels from shooting ranges.