News
7 November, 2024
Noise complaints can be criminal
A Caboolture local is bringing awareness to the issue of noise complaints after being served a warning for playing music on her speaker at home at 11am on Tuesday.
Krystal Parnell was enjoying some music for an hour at her home when two police officers knocked on her door, asking for her ID and read her a warning that she was “not to be noisy” over the next four days.
If they deemed her home was “too loud” over the next four days, they could come back and arrest Ms Parnell, resulting in her having to present before a judge.
“I was just stunned,” she said.
“It’s not a normal thing you hear about... noise complaints being a criminal offence and, even then, I didn’t know you could get noise complaints for the middle of the day during the week.
“We’re buying these stereos that have all this power but there is no disclaimer that playing them could result in a criminal history.”
Ms Parnell said this is the first time she has ever had police show up due to a noise complaint, especially since she only plays music indoors and once or twice per month due to having NDIS carers around constantly.
“I understand noise issues at night or early morning or if it’s a house party or a regular issue, but it seems like a lot of repercussions for something so minute,” she said.
“I walked around eggshells for four days, worrying about the kids making noise because I didn’t want to risk getting arrested.
“I don’t think people who are making complaints understand they can get their neighbours a criminal conviction. If you haven’t done things in malicious intent prior, people like me would happily turn it down.”
According to Ms Parnell, she was told the 90 decibel noise limit is restricted to construction and trade work, not stereos.
“I got told the volume needs to be only high enough to have it as background music.”
According to the Queensland Police website, police have the power to enter the premises, without warrant, and give the person responsible for the noise a noise abatement direction.
If excessive noise continues within the period, police may issue the person responsible an on-the-spot fine or a notice to appear in court, where maximum penalties can apply.
The noise abatement direction will direct the person to immediately stop the excessive noise and to cease making ‘any’ excessive noise for 96 hours.
It does not matter that the noise being made is not at the same level or of the same nature as the excessive noise for which the original noise abatement direction was originally given.
