Have a discussion with the builder if construction noise is too loud.
16 September 2022
Canberra is a growing city, and the development of new suburbs brings a lot of construction to support new homes and other services including schools, shops, roads, paths and community spaces.
In the ACT there are noise limits and standards to support our community’s wellbeing – this includes construction noise in residential areas.
Noise from construction sites in residential areas is permitted above the noise standard from 7am-6pm Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays.
Outside of these times, noise limits apply.
If you’re concerned or have questions about noise from construction in your area, the first step is to have a conversation with the builder or tradesperson.
This will help you to understand more about the activity underway and let the builder or tradesperson know about the impact the noise is having.
The builder may be able to make changes to activities to reduce noise or agree to move louder works to a different time of day.
Most noise concerns can be resolved with a simple conversation.
- Plan ahead: Before speaking to the person making noise, make sure you are clear on your needs and concerns.
- Set a meeting: Organise a convenient time and comfortable place to talk.
- Communicate calmly: State your concerns calmly, explain how you feel and do not make threats or accusations.
- Listen: Let them respond, listen to their side of the story and acknowledge what they have said.
- Solutions: Suggest some possible solutions. Do you want them to change the time they make the noise?
- Compromise: Work towards an agreement which satisfies both your needs.
- Agreement: Be clear about what you have agreed. Keep a record of the conversation while it is still recent as it may be useful in future.
- Resolution support: If you can’t reach agreement, consider dispute coaching or mediation with the Conflict Resolution Service (6190 7100 or mediation@crs.org.au). This service is free for neighbourhood disputes.
More advice on how to get the conversation started is available at www.act.gov.au/noise
If this doesn’t work, you can also make a complaint, also at www.act.gov.au/noise
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