Frequently Asked Questions

Why would council ask for a noise report?

In most cases, the request does not mean there is a problem with your project. Council needs independent technical advice to determine whether the proposal is likely to create unacceptable noise impacts, whether it complies with the relevant planning or environmental requirements, or whether practical design changes should be considered before approval is granted. A noise assessment provides that independent advice.

Noise has the potential to affect neighbouring properties, workplaces and public spaces, so local governments often require specialist acoustic advice before approving developments that may generate noise or be affected by existing noise sources. Common examples include:

• Restaurants, cafés and taverns
• Childcare centres and schools
• Gyms and fitness centres
• Car washes
• Commercial and industrial developments
• Mechanical plant such as air-conditioning units
• Places of worship
• Function centres and entertainment venues
• Mixed-use developments
• Residential developments near major roads, railways or airports

Sometimes the requirement comes directly from the planning scheme. In other cases, council officers identify a potential noise issue during the assessment process and request additional information before making a decision.

Does this mean my project will be refused?

No. Receiving a request for a noise report is a normal part of the planning process and should not be viewed as a negative outcome. In many cases, the assessment simply confirms that the proposal already complies with the relevant requirements.

Where improvements are recommended, they are often straightforward design changes that can be incorporated before construction begins. Relocating equipment, modifying building layouts or selecting quieter mechanical plant can frequently resolve potential issues without significant additional cost. Obtaining acoustic advice early in the design process often saves both time and money.

What does an acoustic consultant actually do?

The scope of work depends on the project, but a typical environmental noise assessment may include:

• Reviewing the council planning condition or Request for Further Information
• Inspecting the site and surrounding land uses
• Identifying the applicable legislation, planning policies and standards
• Measuring existing environmental noise where required
• Predicting future noise levels using recognised engineering methods
• Assessing compliance with the relevant regulations
• Recommending practical mitigation measures where necessary
• Preparing a technical report suitable for submission to council

The objective is not simply to produce a report — it is to provide clear technical advice that assists both the applicant and the assessing authority.

What information should I provide?

Before an assessment begins, it is helpful to provide:

• The council planning condition or Request for Further Information
• Site plans or architectural drawings
• A description of how the development will operate
• Details of any mechanical equipment or speakers
• Proposed operating hours
• Any previous acoustic reports, if available

Providing this information early allows the required scope of work to be confirmed and often avoids unnecessary investigations.

Is there a “standard” noise report?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that every project requires the same assessment. In reality, the type of report depends entirely on the proposal and the reason council has requested it. Examples include:

• Environmental Noise Assessment
• Road Traffic Noise Assessment
• Aircraft Noise Assessment
• Mechanical Services Noise Assessment
• Entertainment Noise Management Plan
• Construction Noise Management Plan
• Environmental Noise Modelling
• Post-construction Compliance Testing

One of the first things we do is review the planning condition to determine exactly what council is requesting, so clients only commission the assessment that is actually required.

How much does a noise report cost?

The cost depends on the complexity of the project, whether environmental monitoring is required and the type of assessment requested. Simple desktop assessments are generally much less expensive than projects requiring detailed computer modelling or long-term monitoring.

How long does it take?

Many assessments can be completed within two to three weeks once all required information has been received. Projects requiring environmental monitoring may take longer depending on site conditions and monitoring requirements.

Will someone need to visit the site?

Not always. Some assessments can be completed using architectural drawings, operating information and acoustic modelling, while others require site inspections or attended environmental noise measurements.

Can you explain what council actually wants?

Yes. Planning conditions and Requests for Further Information are often written using technical terminology. If you send us the planning condition or Request for Further Information, we’ll review it and explain exactly what assessment is required before preparing a quotation.

Need help?

If council has requested a noise report and you’re unsure where to begin, simply send us the planning condition or Request for Further Information. We’ll review the documentation, explain exactly what council is asking for, and recommend the most appropriate assessment for your project.