Plan to ban noisy tools in suburbia

CHANGES to the times householders can use noisy power tools and garden machinery such as mowers and leaf blowers are being considered by the State Government.

It has ordered a review into the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation for the first time since 2000.

Under existing rules, power tools, lawnmowers, leaf blowers and swimming pool or spa pumps cannot be used before 7am or after 8pm from Monday to Saturday, nor before 8am or after 8pm on Sunday and public holidays.

Loud musical instruments and sound equipment can't be played between midnight and 8am on any day. Noisy air-conditioners can't be turned on between 10pm and 7am on weekdays or between 10pm and 8am on weekends and public holidays.

Junior Environment Minister Verity Firth said the review by the Department of Environment and Conservation would include extensive public consultation.

Ms Firth said changes to noise hours would be based on attitudes revealed in a community survey. "If people are concerned about powered garden tools, I'd certainly encourage them to write in and let us know," she said.

The Government's plan to review noise rules was already under way before Ashfield councillor Nick Adams last week launched a campaign for a compulsory weekend afternoon "noise abatement period".

On Tuesday, Cr Adams is submitting a motion calling on his council to lobby the Government to ban neighbourhood noise on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between 1pm and 5pm - as is common in other countries.

"Everyone can relate to the Sunday afternoon, after a hard week's work, having a lie-down only to be woken or kept awake by the neighbour who decides to use a leaf blower, cut the grass or use the backyard workshop," he said.

Local Government Minister Paul Lynch said a campaign to restrict lawnmowers and power tools would be resisted by many people and he hoped common sense would prevail.