Noise control in the Wagga Wagga area is a shared responsibility between Wagga Wagga City Council, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), NSW Police, NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), and the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR).
Residential Noise Sources
Wagga Wagga City Council investigates noise concerns from residential sources such as power tools, equipment, musical instruments, air conditioners, and pool pumps, etc.
Under the Protection of the Environment Operations (POEO) Act 1997, there are specific time restrictions for using certain equipment at home. These activities must not be audible inside the habitable rooms of neighbouring homes during restricted hours.
| Noise Source | Time Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Power tools and equipment such as compressors, swimming pool pumps, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws and the like |
Between 8pm until 7am weekdays
8pm and until 8am Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays |
| Musical instruments and sound equipment such as radios, sound systems and public address systems | 10pm until 8am every day except 12 midnight until 8am on any Friday, Saturday or day preceding a public holiday |
| Domestic air conditioners and pump water heaters | 10pm until 7am weekdays and 10pm until 8am weekends and public holidays |
| Motor vehicles (except when entering or leaving premises) | 8pm until 7am weekdays and 8pm until 8am weekends and public holidays |
| Refrigeration units fitted to motor vehicles | 8pm until 7am weekdays and 8am until 8pm weekends and public holidays |
Refer to the EPA Dealing with Neighbourhood Noise Fact Sheet (PDF, 366.6 KB) for more information.
Excessive Noise can be frustrating, but there are clear and respectful steps you can take to address the issue calmly and effectively.
Talk to the person creating the noise
Start with a friendly conversation. Let them know what you’re experiencing. Many people are open to resolving the issue once they know it’s a problem.
Not comfortable speaking face-to-face?
Download our Courtesy Neighbour Letter (DOCX, 14.0 KB) – simply print and place it in their letterbox.
Keep a Noise Log
If the noise continues, begin tracking the noise using a Noise Monitoring Sheet over a minimum of 14 days. It is important to record:
- Date
- Time
- Duration of noise
- Source of the noise
This log helps the Council assess the issue objectively.
Download the Noise Monitoring Sheet (DOCX, 38.2 KB) and once completed, please submit it via email to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au or alternatively, you can submit the monitoring sheet in person to council’s customer service.
Assess Your Options
If direct communication doesn’t work, visit the LawAccess NSW website for legal guidance and to explore your options.
Contact Your Local Council
Still having trouble?
Please contact Wagga Wagga City Council on (02) 6926 9100 (between 8.30am - 5pm Monday - Friday) to lodge a customer request.
The Council may require:
- Multiple complaints from different neighbours
- A completed noise log
- Site visits to assess the situation
Legal Action (Last Resort)
If you are still unsatisfied and problem is continuing, you can apply for a Noise Abatement Order through your local court under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
Excessive Noise After Hours?
If you are experiencing excessive noise outside of council’s operating hours, then please contact NSW Police for assistance on 131 444.