Section 48A of the Environment Protection Act 1970 makes it an offence to create unreasonable noise on residential premises at any time of the day. Regulations 1997 specify the items of equipment and the prohibited hours . It should be noted that equipment use outside prohibited hours could still be unreasonable, depending on the circumstances of use, how loud the noise is and other factors. EPA's role in residential noise matters is limited to providing advice to the various parties. The Authority cannot take legal action itself.
Police can warn offenders to abate unreasonable noise, such as noisy parties.
This direction remains in force for 12 hours. Local government can also take action under the Nuisance Provisions of the Health Act. If your noise problem cannot be resolved, you may take legal action yourself under the Act. You should consult your solicitor, if you are contemplating this course of action. The solicitor will give you an initial interview of up to 30 minutes for a minimum fee.