Councils see the light as new regulations commence for nuisance light, noise pollution

Councils now have powers to deal with nuisances in their communities caused by light or nuisance noise from refrigerated vehicles under new regulations under the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 that commenced on 1 April.

Councils are now able to assist their communities with resolution of light nuisance complaints, in limited circumstances such as an outside floodlight that shines into a neighbour’s window. Previously there have been no laws in place to assist with the resolution of nuisance caused by light.

The new regulations also allow councils to deal with nuisance noise from refrigerated vehicles that are running while parked overnight in residential areas in the same way that councils can currently regulate noisy air conditioners or pool pumps in residential areas.

The regulations are part of the first stage of reforms to the legislation to be delivered by State Government. 

The second stage of reforms are set out in a Bill currently before the Parliament. The Local Nuisance and Litter Control (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2024 proposes streamlined exemption processes under the Act, enabling car park owners to deal better with unauthorised flyers, and regulatory measures to reduce the incidence of abandoned shopping trolleys in the community.

EPA’s Manager of Policy and Legislation, Steven Mudge says the new regulations under the Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 are a positive step forward to address issues raised by councils and the community since the Act came into effect back in 2017.

“The implementation of these reforms follows an extensive public consultation process and will enable councils to better resolve local nuisance and littering complaints in their communities using effective and practical tools,” he said.

For more information visit www.epa.sa.gov.au/community/neighbourhood-nuisance