Canberrans are being reminded that although we all make noise every day, it’s a fact that our noise can affect our neighbours.
Minister for the Environment, Simon Corbell, said a new noise campaign would urge communities to be considerate of their neighbours by bearing in mind how their noise could affect their neighbours.
“The number of noise complaints in the ACT has dropped by 33% since we first launched the campaign in 2009,” Mr Corbell said.
“This is a great step in the right direction for the ACT, however we would like to see this figure drop further.”
The majority of noise complaints still relate to power tools, air conditioning units, stereos and home entertainment systems.
“Often we are unaware of the noise coming from our own home and its effects on those around us. The purpose of running this campaign is to help raise awareness of the effects of noise on our neighbours.
“Music, entertainment, working around the house or just going about daily business all makes for noise around the home. This campaign is simply to make us all aware about how our noise can affect others and inform people affected by excessive noise how to deal with such situations.
“We want to encourage neighbours to have a conversation with each other if they feel they are being affected by noise to prevent a problem occurring.”
The ACT Government would like to remind the community about their responsibilities under the environment protection legislation – fines of $200 can be issued for noise breaches, while more serious complaints have the potential to attract a fine of $1000.
“Noise breaches do have legal ramifications and those who make excessive amounts of noise need to be aware of these penalties,” Mr Corbell said.
Noise protection for the ACT community is provided through the Environment Protection Act 1997 and the Environment Protection Regulation 2005 which is administered by the Environment Protection Authority.
For more information visit www.noise.act.gov.au
(Simon Corbell Media Release)
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