Outdoor entertainment events, including the following, need to comply with the permitted noise levels and not cause a nuisance to neighbours:

• concerts
• festivals
• sporting competitions and races.

Permitted noise levels

If the noise at a premises is over the following levels, a fine or notice may be issued to the responsible person:

• 7am to 10pm – noise is no more than 70 decibels (A)
• 10pm to midnight – no more than 10 decibels (A) above the background noise level or 50 decibels (A), whichever is lower
• midnight to 7am – no noise heard.

Exemptions

The permitted noise levels do not apply to:

• educational buildings used for non-commercial activities
• entertainment events issued with a licence or permit by council, or a liquor licence from Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, with noise level conditions
• sites that have a development approval with noise level conditions.

How to reduce noise levels

You can help reduce the impact of noise levels by:

• having a noise management plan
• planning the location and orientation of stages, audio systems and amplifier devices – face away from neighbours
• turning noise down, particularly the bass
• letting your neighbours know about the event and providing an event hotline for complaints
• monitoring noise levels during the event.