What you need to know
Prior to submitting a request to investigate a noise, you must complete and submit a signed Noise log.
Noise complaints
Property owners and tenants are responsible for making sure activities on their property don't have a negative impact on their neighbours.
For information on what is considered unreasonable noise, read the Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 2018.
Types of non-residential noise include:
- Businesses eg. Food, licensed venues
- Commercial and industrial areas
- Nightclubs
- Gyms
Noise from construction or demolition time frames and permits
Within Moonee Valley and in recognition of the greater impact to local amenity, more restrictive hours apply for larger-scale works and renovations that require a permit.
Specifically, clause 4.28.4 of Council’s Activities and General Amenities Local Law 2018-28 prescribes the following prohibited times for construction or demolition activity related noise in residential areas:
Monday to Friday: 7am to 6pm
Saturday: 9am to 3pm
Sundays and public holidays: No works allowed
Further information on Council’s Activities and General Amenities Local Law 2018-28 can be found here.
Types of residential noise include:
- Garden tools
- Heating and cooling
- Home renovations
- Music
- Power tools
- Vehicle noise eg. unnecessary revving, repairs
A Noise log is a legal document and all information provided may be used as evidence in the Magistrates Court, should Council decide to prosecute.
By signing and returning the Noise log you are declaring the information contained within it to be a true record of matters observed by you and that you are willing to appear in Court to give evidence as a witness regarding this complaint if required to do so by Council.
You must attach a Noise log when reporting your issue
Home renovations time frames
The Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 2018 allow the use of power tools between the following hours for minor works around your home while completing odd jobs and minor home improvements.
Monday to Friday: 7am to 8pm
Weekends and public holidays: 9am to 8pm
Reporting a noise nuisance
We suggest you speak to the person causing the noise first. Often people don’t realise they are disturbing their neighbours and the issue can often be resolved quickly. If this does not work, you can lodge your concerns with Council.
Council can assist with noise complaints about residential premises (including barking dogs) or noise from local businesses.
You can also contact us during business hours via telephone on 9243 8888, email council@mvcc.vic.gov.au or in-person at the Civic Centre, 9 Kellaway Avenue, Moonee Ponds.
Noise issues Council cannot investigate
We aren’t the authority for most noise complaints, and there are some things that although noisy, we can’t do anything about. Here is a list of some noises and who may be able to help.
Flemington Racecourse and Melbourne Showgrounds are within the boundaries of Melbourne City Council.
A complaints hotline is established for the duration of major event. Noise Consulting & Management Pty Ltd will investigate any complaints, record the results of the investigation and the action taken and report back to the resident if desired.
Also includes noise associated with vehicles entering and leaving such as security gates or garage doors.
You should talk directly with your neighbour or contact the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV). Victoria Police and the EPA are responsible for ensuring registered vehicles are roadworthy and compliant with noise emissions
Contact:
DSCV – 1300 372 888
EPA – 1300 372 842
Local Police Stations:
Moonee Ponds – (03) 9373 5200
Avondale Heights – (03) 9337 6777
Flemington – (03) 9371 6100;
Police without the sirens – 13 14 44 000 in an emergency
Victoria Police
Contact:
Local Police Stations
Moonee Ponds – (03) 9373 5200
Avondale Heights – (03) 9337 6777
Flemington – (03) 9371 6100
Police without the sirens – 13 14 44
Police in an emergency – 000
Private matter.
Body Corporate in close quarter or high density living.
Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV).
Contact:
Best settled privately
DSCV – 1300 372 888
The EPA, Vic Roads, Public Transport Victoria or Utility Company provide permits to operate outside of normal working hours
Contact:
EPA – 1300 372 842
Vic Roads - 13 11 71
City West Water – 13 26 42
Public Transport Victoria - 1800 800 007
Primary: Metro
Secondary: Public Transport Ombudsman (PTO)
Contact:
Metro – 1800 800 007
PTO – 1800 466 865
Primary: Yarra Trams
Secondary: Public Transport Ombudsman (PTO)
Contact:
Yarra Trams – 1800 800 007
PTO – 1800 466 865
Air Services Australia (ASA)
Civil Aviation & Safety Authority (CASA)
Contact:
ASA - 1800 802 584
CASA - 13 17 57
You will need to talk to the operator conducting the works and they may be able to provide an expected completion date or time.
Contact:
Jemena (Power) – 1300 131 871
City West Water (Water) – 13 26 42
Vic Roads
Contact:
13 11 71