Noise complaints and solutions
To report a noise complaint in NSW, first try to resolve the issue by speaking with the person responsible. If the problem continues, contact the appropriate authority: your local council for general residential noise, NSW Police on 131 444 for loud parties or one-off incidents, or the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555 for major sources such as transport or construction. For licensed venues, contact Liquor and Gaming NSW.
Before making a complaint, try to talk to the source, keep a noise diary for at least 10 days, and be aware of restrictions —amplified music is not allowed between 10pm and 8am (or 12am and 8am on Fridays, Saturdays, and before public holidays).
If the issue persists, you can seek help through a Community Justice Centre for mediation or apply for a Noise Abatement Order through the Local Court.
You can contact the Northern Community Justice Centre at 1800 990 777 or via email at cjc_northern@agd.nsw.gov.au.
How we can help
If you make a noise complaint, the following steps may be taken depending on the case: investigation of the complaint, warning to the offender and request for action, issuing a formal notice/order, and enforcement (such as issuing penalty notices or taking court action).
Council can serve notices under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) on people occupying homes and businesses requiring them to control noise and advising of acceptable noise levels.
To make a noise complaint, you can contact Lismore Police at (02) 6626 0599 or Council at (02) 6625 0500 or via email at council@lismore.nsw.gov.au.