A general misconception in the community is that a noise complaint has to be after a certain time of the day/night.
Police regularly hear it isn’t after 10pm in relation to reporting a noise complaint.
However, a noise complaint can be made at any hour of the day or night.
A person may make a complaint, including an anonymous complaint, to police about noise emitted from a place.
If you are planning an activity, we encourage you to:
- Speak to your neighbours and let them know in advance
- Give your neighbours your contact details so they can call you if there are any concerns
- When playing music, turn the bass or subwoofer/s down
- Try to keep music and voices at a reasonable level
- Ask guests to be quiet as they leave your home.
Making a noise complaint
Before making a complaint to police, try talking to your neighbours about their excessive noise.
If the noise is ongoing, a call to police or your local council may be appropriate.
What can police do?
When police are notified of a noise complaint, they will attend the location to investigate whether the noise is excessive.
If they believe it is, they can enter a location without a warrant, and issue a verbal “Noise Abatement Direction” (NAD) to immediately stop the noise for a period of 96 hours.
If police are required to return within the 96 hour period and they determine the excessive noise has continued, the relevant person may be fined or required to appear in court.
If a crime is happening now, call Triple Zero (000).
If not, think Policelink and report online via the QPS website www.police.qld.gov.au.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
