Queanbeyan
Indicator: Noise
Results for this indicator are also available for [an error occurred while processing this directive]
Please note: Text or data highlighted in this colour represent an update to this indicator for the period 2008/09.
What the results tell us for Queanbeyan
Barking dogs and roosters continue to be a major source of noise complaints in Queanbeyan City Council area. In order to try and curb these trends a Keeping Animals Policy was adopted by City Council in 2007 (See in City Council action section).
Statistical evidence suggests that noise complaints have dropped significantly since 2004 though this may not be necessarily the case. Reporting of dog noise complaints has not been consistent over the five year period and inaccurate records may have distorted the results.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that commercial and industrial noise is on the decline. This may be due to the stringent guidelines being enforced. These determine the hours of operation for both plant and machinery.
Residential noise complaints continue to rise in part due to infill development becoming more commonplace with greater densities, block sizes decreasing whilst house size increases. Despite the complaints there is anecdotal evidence that people’s tolerance of noise has remained the same.
| Type of complaint | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barking dogs | 96 | 15 | 33 | 41 | 54 |
| Industrial and Construction | 5 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| Residential | 17 | 12 | 15 | 22 | 31 |
| Rooster | 11 | 21 | 11 | 13 | 19 |
| Total | 129 | 52 | 61 | 82 | 117 |
Source: Queanbeyan City Council
City Council action
The Queanbeyan City Council Keeping Animals Policy informs the public of the Council’s regulatory powers concerning the keeping of animals in the City Council area. The aims of the policy are to minimise the incidence of nuisance being caused to persons, protect the welfare and habitat of wildlife and safeguard the environment.
Noise complaints are investigated by Environmental Health Officers and where possible an educative approach is taken as the first step. Officers inform the individual that a complaint has been received against them and reminds them of their obligations under the Protection of Environment Operations Act 1997 and Noise Regulation 2000 as appropriate. If this action does not resolve the complaint the City Council may require the complainant to fill out a standard Noise Log Sheet and have it signed by any witnesses. The sheet outlines the time the noise operates and its impact on the complainant's health or amenity. When it is possible to make a noise assessment, for example in the case of air conditioners and construction noise, the City Council will use its noise monitoring equipment to establish the level and impact of the noise.
The City Council has undertaken at least four cases of noise monitoring within the 2008-09 reporting period. Half the monitoring related to air conditioners and half to traffic complaints.
The City Council uses a multi-pronged approach to noise mitigation that, separately or in combination, addresses noise at its source, along its transmission path and at the receiving end. This approach is consistent with NSW Government guidelines (Department of Environment and Conservation 2004 as updated on website June 2007).
About the data
Data supplied by Queanbeyan City Council
References
DEC– see Department of Environment and Conservation
Department of Environment and Conservation (2004) Noise Guide for Local Government, NSW Department of Environment and Conservation 2004/59, June 2004.
Department of Environment and Conservation (2000) NSW Industrial Noise Policy, NSW EPA 00/1.
