Noise management

Event noise can impact nearby residents, businesses or the environment. 

Noise limits are governed by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria under the State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP N-2). These regulations outline permissible noise levels and timeframes for outdoor sound:

• Monday to Thursday: up to 5 hours of amplified sound between 9 am and 10 pm
• Friday and Saturday: up to 10 hours of amplified sound between 10 am and 11 pm
• Sunday: up to 10 hours of amplified sound between 10 am and 10 pm.

The maximum permitted volume is 65 dB(A), as measured inside the nearest residential or commercial property. If your event will exceed these limits or take place during sensitive times, you may need to apply for an exemption or approval from the EPA.

Measure noise levels

• Use a qualified acoustic consultant or a calibrated sound level meter to monitor noise during the event.
• Record readings at agreed monitoring points to demonstrate compliance.
• Include clear procedures in your plan for adjusting sound levels if limits are exceeded.

Communicate with the community 

• Notify nearby residents and businesses in advance about event dates, times and expected noise.
• Provide a community contact (for example a hotline or dedicated email address) for complaints or concerns during the event.
• Respond quickly to community feedback to minimise escalation to council or EPA.

Develop a Noise Management Plan (NMP)

You'll need a NMP if your event includes (noting, this list is not exhaustive):

• amplified music or announcements
• mechanical equipment
• mobile vendors
• large crowds
• fireworks or pyrotechnics.

Download a Noise Management Plan template

A well-structured NMP ensures that your event complies with state regulations like the Environment Protection Act 2017 (Vic) and the EPA Noise Regulations 2021 as well as any local council requirements. We (Council) may impose additional permit conditions.

What to include

• Assessment of impact. Identify which groups may be affected (for example local residents, businesses, wildlife). Consider the proximity of your event to residential zones, schools, hospitals or sensitive environments. Proactively assess how noise may impact these groups and take steps to minimise disturbances.
• Site layout. Mark the location and direction of all speakers on your site plan. Where possible, direct sound away from residences (toward open spaces or water) to reduce noise disturbance to nearby areas.
• Sound testing schedule. List specific times for sound testing and performances. Include these times in your event build-up schedule and ensure that sound tests are completed before the event opens to the public. This allows time for any necessary adjustments.
• Sound level monitoring. Engage a qualified noise consultant to monitor sound levels during both soundchecks and live event operations. Regularly monitor and document decibel levels to ensure they stay within the allowable limits.
• Real-time adjustments. Nominate a contact person (usually the sound engineer or site manager) to monitor noise levels during the event. They should respond promptly to noise complaints or any instructions from Council or EPA officers to make immediate adjustments if needed.
• Post-event reporting. Some events may be required to submit a post-event noise report to Council. This report should document noise levels, any incidents, and how effectively noise was managed.

Tips for effective noise management

• Consider using directional speakers and sound baffling to help focus sound where it's needed and reduce impact on nearby residents and businesses.
• Proactively notify residents and local businesses about the event, especially if there will be amplified sound. This helps to manage expectations and reduce the likelihood of complaints.
• Put a system in place for receiving and addressing noise-related complaints during the event. Having a designated noise contact person available allows for quick resolution of any issues that arise.