Regulations

Brisbane City Council investigates noise, air, light and water complaints under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and the Planning Act 2016. Council encourages all residents and business operators to talk to their neighbours before making a complaint.

Action taken by Council

If Council finds an emission to be an unlawful environmental nuisance as detailed in the Environmental Protection Act 1994, they may issue a Direction Notice. A Direction Notice details the offence and the timeframe the offender has to rectify the problem. Council may issue an on-the-spot fine or prosecute if the offender does not comply with the Direction Notice. You can pay these fines online.

Council may take enforcement action under the Planning Act 2016 where a development permit contains a condition regarding the emission (e.g. noise, air, light, water). If a relevant development condition exists, Council is not able to enforce the emission under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.

Complaints not handled by Council

Council may not be responsible for investigating emissions from:

  • state government properties, or
  • environmentally relevant activities regulated by the state government.

Find out how to lodge a complaint about a nuisance issue.

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Brisbane City Council acknowledges this Country and its Traditional Custodians. We pay our respects to the Elders, those who have passed into the dreaming; those here today; those of tomorrow.