煙、騒音、悪臭

While some everyday activity is expected in residential and commercial areas, issues that are persistent, unreasonable or harmful may breach environmental health requirements, Council by-laws or State legislation.

Council’s Environmental Health and Compliance teams work to investigate complaints, provide education and, where necessary, take enforcement action to address ongoing problems.

Noise

Excessive or unreasonable noise can interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of neighbouring properties and may constitute a nuisance under relevant legislation.

Common noise complaints investigated by Council include:

• loud music, parties or gatherings
• noise from machinery, generators or power tools
• construction activity outside permitted hours
• commercial or industrial noise
• alarms or mechanical equipment
• amplified sound systems
• animal noise, including persistent barking dogs.

Whether noise is considered unreasonable depends on factors such as:

• the volume and duration of the noise
• the time of day or night
• the zoning and surrounding environment
• how frequently the issue occurs
• the impact on neighbouring properties.

In some situations, Council may request that residents keep a noise diary to assist with investigations.

Construction noise

Building and construction activity is generally expected to occur within reasonable hours to minimise disturbance to neighbours.

Construction work occurring outside approved hours may be investigated where it causes unreasonable disruption to nearby residents.

Smoke

Smoke complaints commonly involve residential heating, outdoor burning or commercial activities.

Council may investigate complaints relating to:

• wood heater smoke affecting neighbouring properties
• excessive smoke emissions
• backyard burning or illegal burning-off
• burning prohibited materials
• smoke from commercial or industrial premises
• smoke affecting public health or visibility.

Poorly operated or non-compliant wood heaters can create significant smoke nuisance, particularly during colder months and in areas with limited air movement.

Residents are encouraged to:

• burn only dry, untreated wood
• avoid smouldering fires
• maintain wood heaters in good condition
• comply with any seasonal or fire restrictions.

Burning prohibited materials

Burning certain materials may be unlawful and harmful to public health and the environment.

Examples of prohibited materials may include:

• plastics
• treated timber
• rubber
• household waste
• chemicals or hazardous materials.

Odours

Offensive or persistent odours can significantly affect neighbouring residents and businesses.

Council investigates complaints relating to odours from:

• food preparation or processing businesses
• manufacturing or industrial activities
• waste handling facilities
• composting activities
• wastewater or drainage issues
• residential burning or waste accumulation
• animal or agricultural activities.

When assessing odour complaints, Council may consider:

• the intensity and duration of the odour
• frequency of occurrence
• weather conditions and wind direction
• impacts on surrounding properties.

Some odour investigations may require monitoring over time or involvement from other regulatory authorities.

Reporting an issue

If you are affected by smoke, noise or odours, you can report the issue to Council for assessment.

When making a report, please provide:

• the address where the issue is occurring
• details of the issue
• dates and times the problem occurs
• how the issue is affecting you
• your contact details for follow-up if required.

Reports can be made:

• through Council’s online report form
• by phone
• by email.

Phone: 03 6216 6800
Email: gccmail@gcc.tas.gov.au

For urgent matters outside business hours, call 03 6216 6800 and follow the recorded instructions for after-hours assistance.

Urgent matters may include:

• significant public health risks
• serious smoke or pollution incidents
• immediate safety concerns.

Further information

Council investigates complaints in accordance with relevant legislation and prioritises matters based on risk, severity and impact on the community.

While Council may confirm that a matter has been investigated, privacy obligations may limit the information that can be shared about outcomes involving other individuals or businesses.

Before Reporting an issue

We encourage neighbours to try to resolve disputes privately and amicably before taking Council action. Before reaching out to us, consider:

• Have you spoken with your neighbour about your concern?
• Regarding noise nuisances, have you kept a noise diary with dates & times of nuisance?
• Do you have the correct address of where the concern is being emitted from?

How to report an issue

When reporting, include the address, a description of the issue, dates and times it occurs, and how it’s affecting you. Contact Council via:

• Phone: 03 6216 6800
• Email: gccmail@gcc.tas.gov.au
• Online: Council’s report form

For urgent matters outside business hours — such as serious pollution or public health risks — call 03 6216 6800 and follow the after-hours instructions.

Note that privacy obligations may limit what Council can share about the outcomes of investigations involving other individuals or businesses.