Local nuisances (air, noise, odour)

Air Quality

Poor air quality and exposure to air pollutants can negatively affect health and well-being. 

Sources of poor air quality can include areas where crushing activities occur, for example at construction sites (dust); domestic wood chimney smoke, backyard burning, and smoke caused by wildfires.

Council inspectors can investigate air quality issues from domestic residential premises or those operated by private industry that have no environment protection licence.

For air pollution which emanates from a commercial premise for which an environment protection licence is held please contact the NSW EPA on 131 555. To check whether a premise is licensed through the EPAs public register here.

 

Odours

Odours can be a local nuisance and can reveal illegal waste and poor sanitation or hygiene.

Council inspectors can investigate odours coming from local residential or domestic premises, small businesses, restaurants, and food outlets. Examples of offensive odours can include fumes from spray painting or small businesses.

For offensive odours which emanate from a large industrial or commercial premise for which an environment protection licence is held please contact the NSW EPA on 131 555. To check whether a premise is licensed through the EPAs public register here.

 

Noise

Got a problem with recurrent noise?

Council inspectors can investigate persistent noise issues. Common neighbourhood noise complaints include animal noise, construction noise, power tools, air conditioners and pool pumps.

Below is a list of domestic noise sources and times when restrictions apply.

Domestic noise source	Restriction time	Who to contact
Power tools and equipment (powered garden tools, e.g. lawn mowers, leaf blowers, electric or pneumatic tools, chainsaws or circular saws, gas or air compressors, swimming pool or spa pumps).	8:00 PM to 7:00 AM on weekdays and Saturdays. 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM on Sundays and Public Holidays	Council during business hours or Police after hours.
Musical instruments & sound equipment (radios, TV's, stereos, public address systems or computer games).	12 midnight to 8:00AM every day.	Council during business hours or Police after hours.
Domestic air conditioners.	10:00 PM to 7:00 AM on weekdays. 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM on weekends and Public Holidays.	Council during business hours.
Motor vehicles (except when entering or leaving residential premises).	8:00 PM to 7:00 AM weekdays. 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM on weekends and Public Holidays.	Council during business hours or Police after hours.
Refrigeration unit fitted to motor vehicles.	8:00 PM to 7:00 AM weekdays. 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM on weekends and Public Holidays.	Council during business hours or Police after hours.