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You can approach a person or business by talking to them directly or dropping off a letter in their mailbox. Sometimes, it may be necessary to report a noise issue, however issues are often quite complex, involving multiple parties, and can be difficult to resolve quickly.
Types of noise
The City of Melbourne has no regulatory control over aircraft in flight over the municipality.
Visit Airservices Australia for aircraft noise complaints.
Fly neighbourly agreements
City of Melbourne entered into a fly neighbourly agreement with Microflite, who run the Melbourne Helipad, in 2022.
If a dog barking is a recurring issue and you're unable to resolve it with the owner, you can report it to us.
The more information you can provide, the more likely we will be able to assist with a satisfactory outcome. We're unable to assist in an isolated incident, so please ensure you keep track of when, where and for how long it affects you.
For more information and to report an issue, see Barking dogs.
Business and commercial noise may include noise from machinery, air conditioners and music from bars or nightclubs.
If you're disturbed by noise from a commercial property, speak to the person that is causing the noise as soon as the problem arises. If this doesn’t resolve the matter, you can submit a noise report for us to investigate.
Busking is an essential part of Melbourne's lively street culture, however, sometimes the noise can be disturbing for residents.
If you have a noise issue with a busker, it’s best to talk to them politely first and see if you can reach a resolution. If this fails, you can record their busking name or permit number and report it to City of Melbourne. However, buskers often move or change locations so we may not be able to resolve the issue for you in a timely manner.
Visit Sound management for buskers for more information.
Development is a fundamental part of the City of Melbourne’s urban environment, but construction works need to be managed so they don’t become a nuisance to the public.
If you're disturbed by noise from demolition or construction activities, speak to the owner or site supervisor as soon as the problem arises. Often, they’re unaware that they are causing a problem and will remedy the situation. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, you can submit a noise report for us to investigate.
For us to effectively investigate construction noise reports, we need to get an officer onsite whilst the noise is live. For best results, please call us on 9658 9658 at all times.
There are a range of large-scale entertainment and sporting venues within the City of Melbourne municipality. The best way to resolve a noise issue quickly with these large venues is to contact them directly:
- Federation SquareOpens in new tab
- Melbourne and Olympic ParksOpens in new tab
- Sidney Myer Music BowlOpens in new tab
- Marvel StadiumOpens in new tab
- MCGOpens in new tab
- Flemington RacecourseOpens in new tab
- Melbourne ShowgroundsOpens in new tab
- Other popular sporting venuesOpens in new tab
If you are experiencing issues with noise from a music venue such as a bar or nightclub, you can report it to us.
Large festivals and events contribute greatly to Melbourne's culture and lifestyle, activating the city and attracting many visitors.
Some large events are hosted and organised by City of Melbourne, whilst others are delivered in partnership or we just permit the event. City of Melbourne owns and manages the following events:
For any issues relating to these events, you can submit a noise report for us to investigate.
For events not managed by City of Melbourne, the quickest way to resolve any noise issues is to contact the festival or event organisers directly.
Metro Tunnel works are underway, with construction work continuing across the city until 2025.
In partnership with City of Melbourne, every effort has been made to minimise all types of disruption caused by these works, including noise. Visit Metro TunnelOpens in new tab for more information.
Noise from public transport vehicles, stations or stops is managed by Public Transport VictoriaOpens in new tab and public transport operatorsOpens in new tab. Please contact them directly.
It’s best to talk to the resident before you report the issue as it will often resolve the issue quicker. Residential noise includes noise coming from a residence such as:
- music
- machinery
- airconditioning units
- a party
- loud people.
We are unable to assist in an isolated incident, so a completed Noise log sheet (DOCX 91 KB) | (PDF 86 KB) is required before a health officer can investigate a noise report.
Once you've completed your log sheet, you can submit a noise report.
Where roadworks are excessively noisy, the City of Melbourne may be able to assist. If the roadworks are being performed by the City of Melbourne or one of its contractors, we can investigate the issue if you make a report.
Emergency roadworks are often required by utility service providers, such as water, telephone and power companies. These works can be performed legally at any time of the day and may be noisy.
The City of Melbourne can investigate noise issues relating to waste collection and street cleaning, particularly where we're providing these services.
Before submitting a noise report, check if City of Melbourne is the service provider, indicated by logos on the vehicle. For issues with third-party cleaning or waste collection service providers, we require a completed Noise log sheet (DOCX 91 KB) | (PDF 86 KB) before we can investigate. In many instances it may be quicker for you to contact the company directly.
Resolving the issue
Some noise issues can be resolved with mediation.
Mediation is voluntary and each party must be willing to negotiate from the outset. It involves a face-to-face meeting between mediators and everyone involved in the dispute.
Mediation sessions are conducted by two trained mediators who help the parties to:
- identify the disputed issues
- develop options
- consider alternatives
- work to reach an agreement.
The mediators control how the session is run and the parties control what is discussed and agreed to.
The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria can help people to resolve noise issues co-operatively. Services are free and confidential.
If mediation isn’t an option and you need to report the issue, you’ll be asked:
- What happened? Be prepared to describe the noise in as much detail as you can.
- Where did it happen? Identify the location of the noise if you can. If you don't know the exact address, make a note of cross streets and other landmarks.
- When did it happen? Timely reporting is critical. Contact us as soon as possible after the incident.
Depending on the type of noise, you may need to complete a Noise log sheet (DOCX 86 KB) | (PDF 82 KB).
This information helps us identify the offender and record it for future reference.
The City of Melbourne can investigate and respond to noise issues relating to:
- construction (building works)
- roadworks
- businesses in the municipality
- public spaces
- waste collection and street cleaning
- residential noise.
Report the issue by following the prompts below.
Report a noise issue
If the incident requires immediate action, please call 000Opens in new tab.
