By Alesha Capone
The number of noise complaints received by Wyndham council has increased by more than two-thirds across 12 months.
Last year, the council received 461 noise complaints from residents (compared to 273 complaints in 2019).
A council spokesperson said the most common noise complaints related to amplified music noise and instruments, followed by sound generated by heating and cooling units.
“The rise in complaints was not surprising due to many residents working from home and COVID-19 restrictions limiting mobility,” the spokesperson said.
“Upon receiving a complaint, council officers investigate the matter, and work with all parties involved to ensure they are aware of their obligations under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act.
“In almost all situations, complaints are resolved without the need for further action.”
The council’s director of city operations, Stephen Thorpe, said the council also received 101 complaints about barking dogs last year (compared to 82 in 2019).
“The overwhelming majority of these complaints are either resolved through an engagement and education process with the dog’s owners, or the complaint is unable to be substantiated,” Mr Thorpe said.
“Council takes the issue seriously and investigates all complaints.
“We have a range of procedures and policies for dealing with barking dog complaints including a dog barking diary, educational references and mediation.
Mr Thorpe said the council encouraged all dog owners to be responsible and provide their pets with the care and attention they deserve.
“The causes for excessive barking often include separation anxiety, boredom or other dogs barking. In many cases, an owner is not home to hear their dog’s excessive barking,” he said.
Under Wyndham’s Community Amenity Local Law, an occupier of any land on which an animal is kept must not allow any noise to emanate from the animal which interferes with “the reasonable comfort or convenience of persons who occupy adjacent or nearby land”.
For details relating to barking dogs, see www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/pets-animals/animal-complaints-pests/barking-dogs
For further information, go to: agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/dogs/dog-training-and-behavioural-problems/barking-dogs
