Breach of an order

What if you continue to make the noise?

A noise abatement order takes effect immediately after it has been made. Unless the order specifies an end date, it continues to apply until it is revoked (cancelled) by the court.

If you have been served with a noise abatement order and you continue to make the type of noise specified in the order, you may be breaching (breaking) the order.

Breaching a noise abatement order is a criminal offence.

The Environmental Protection Agency, the local council or the police have the power to prosecute a breach of a noise abatement order. If they are notified that you have breached the order, they may charge you.

 It is also possible for the person who applied for the order to prosecute you for a breach.

Will you have to go to court?

If you are charged with breaching a noise abatement order, you will have to attend a hearing at the Local Court. The police will give you a Court Attendance notice (CAN) telling you when you have to go to court and which court you have to go to.

To be convicted of breaching a noise abatement order, it must be proven 'beyond a reasonable doubt' that you continued to make noise in breach of the order.

If you have been charged with breaching a noise abatement order, you should get legal advice.

Penalties

If you are convicted of breaching a noise abatement order, you may have to pay a fine.

The court may also make an order that you pay the other party's legal and other court costs.