According to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 “Environmental nuisance” is unreasonable interference or likely interference with an environmental value caused by—

(a) noise, dust, odour, light; or
(b) an unhealthy, offensive or unsightly condition because of contamination; or
(c) another way prescribed by regulation.

• Where do I direct my Complaint?
• Information required when directing a complaint
• Noise
• Nuisances not handled by Local Government
• Further Information

According to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 “Environmental nuisance” is unreasonable interference or likely interference with an environmental value caused by—

(a) noise, dust, odour, light; or
(b) an unhealthy, offensive or unsightly condition because of contamination; or
(c) another way prescribed by regulation.

• Where do I direct my Complaint?
• Information required when directing a complaint
• Noise
• Nuisances not handled by Local Government
• Further Information

Whitsunday Regional Council's Environmental Health Officers are responsible for most Environmental Nuisance complaints, however if your complaint is in regards to:

• Barking dogs
• Unsightly land; or
• After hours complaints

Please contact Whitsunday Regional Council on (07) 4945 0200 and your enquiry will be directed accordingly.

If your concern does not fall under any of the above, contact Environmental Health on (07) 4945 0200 (Southern Office) or (07) 4761 3633 (Northern Office).

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Whitsunday Regional Council's Environmental Health Officers are responsible for most Environmental Nuisance complaints, however if your complaint is in regards to:

• Barking dogs
• Unsightly land; or
• After hours complaints

Please contact Whitsunday Regional Council on (07) 4945 0200 and your enquiry will be directed accordingly.

If your concern does not fall under any of the above, contact Environmental Health on (07) 4945 0200 (Southern Office) or (07) 4761 3633 (Northern Office).

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To ensure your complaint is handled in a timely and efficient manner, it is important that the Environmental Health Officer is provided with the following accurate information:

• The nature of the complaint, i.e. power tools starting before 6:30am
• The time the issue started and/or finished
• The name of the company/person involved or a street/site address
• How long the issue has been going on for
• Any other information you feel may be beneficial in the handling of your complaint

The Environmental Health Officer will continue to inform you on the progress of your complaint until the issue is resolved.

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To ensure your complaint is handled in a timely and efficient manner, it is important that the Environmental Health Officer is provided with the following accurate information:

• The nature of the complaint, i.e. power tools starting before 6:30am
• The time the issue started and/or finished
• The name of the company/person involved or a street/site address
• How long the issue has been going on for
• Any other information you feel may be beneficial in the handling of your complaint

The Environmental Health Officer will continue to inform you on the progress of your complaint until the issue is resolved.

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Noise complaints make up for the majority of Environmental Nuisance complaints received by Council. Out of this, complaints regarding Building Works and Regulated Devices are the most common. According to the Environmental Protection Regulation 1998 : Image right: Environmental Health Officer taking noise measurements with council's noise meter.

Building Works

A builder or building contractor must not carry out building work on a building site in a way that makes or causes audible noise to be made from the building work -

(a) On a Sunday or public holiday, at any time; or
(b) On a Saturday or business day, before 6:30a.m. or after 6:30p.m.

Regulated Devices
A person must not operate a regulated device in a way that makes audible noise or causes audible noise to be made -

(a) On a Sunday or public holiday, before 8a.m. or after 7p.m.; or
(b) On a Saturday or business day, before 7a.m. or after 7p.m.

A regulated device means any of the following:

• A compressor;
• A ducted vacuuming system;
• A generator;
• A grass-cutter;
• An impacting tool;
• A leaf-blower;
• A mulcher;
• An oxyacetylene burner;
• An electrical, mechanical or pneumatic power tool, including a chainsaw, a drill, an electric grinder or sander, an electric welder and a nail-gun.

However, there may be some circumstances in which devices may be used outside the specified times. Please contact Environment and Compliance on (07) 4945 0200 (Southern Office) or (07) 4761 3633 (Northern Office) for more information.     Image Left: Noise meter used by council EHO's to take measurements (Model 2250)

Noise complaints make up for the majority of Environmental Nuisance complaints received by Council. Out of this, complaints regarding Building Works and Regulated Devices are the most common. According to the Environmental Protection Regulation 1998 : Image right: Environmental Health Officer taking noise measurements with council's noise meter.

Building Works

A builder or building contractor must not carry out building work on a building site in a way that makes or causes audible noise to be made from the building work -

(a) On a Sunday or public holiday, at any time; or
(b) On a Saturday or business day, before 6:30a.m. or after 6:30p.m.

Regulated Devices
A person must not operate a regulated device in a way that makes audible noise or causes audible noise to be made -

(a) On a Sunday or public holiday, before 8a.m. or after 7p.m.; or
(b) On a Saturday or business day, before 7a.m. or after 7p.m.

A regulated device means any of the following:

• A compressor;
• A ducted vacuuming system;
• A generator;
• A grass-cutter;
• An impacting tool;
• A leaf-blower;
• A mulcher;
• An oxyacetylene burner;
• An electrical, mechanical or pneumatic power tool, including a chainsaw, a drill, an electric grinder or sander, an electric welder and a nail-gun.

However, there may be some circumstances in which devices may be used outside the specified times. Please contact Environment and Compliance on (07) 4945 0200 (Southern Office) or (07) 4761 3633 (Northern Office) for more information.     Image Left: Noise meter used by council EHO's to take measurements (Model 2250)

Nuisances arising from commercial and other industrial premises is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Noise related to issues such as parties, burglar alarms and music is dealt with by the Queensland Police Service. Please contact either:

• Proserpine Police Station on (07)4945 1333,
• Cannonvale Police Station on (07)4948 888,
• Bowen Police on (07) 4786 1333 or
• Collinsville Police on (07) 4785 5377.

Nuisances caused by licensed premises including night clubs, bars and pubs is handled by the Department of Tourism, Racing and Fair Trading .

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Nuisances arising from commercial and other industrial premises is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Noise related to issues such as parties, burglar alarms and music is dealt with by the Queensland Police Service. Please contact either:

• Proserpine Police Station on (07)4945 1333,
• Cannonvale Police Station on (07)4948 888,
• Bowen Police on (07) 4786 1333 or
• Collinsville Police on (07) 4785 5377.

Nuisances caused by licensed premises including night clubs, bars and pubs is handled by the Department of Tourism, Racing and Fair Trading .

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For further information on Environmental Nuisances, please download and read Queensland's Nuisance Laws from the Environmental Protection Agency.

For further information on Environmental Nuisances, please download and read Queensland's Nuisance Laws from the Environmental Protection Agency.