Public consultation is now invited on the draft Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Noise) Regulations 2026 (Noise Regulations).
The Noise Regulations, made under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 are due to be remade by 17 August 2026. This legislative instrument regulates environmental noise in Tasmania.
View the draft Noise Regulations 2026 and an Explanatory Paper below:
Consultation Draft - Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Noise) Regulations 2026 (PDF 532Kb)
Explanatory Paper - Draft Noise Regulations 2026 (PDF 188Kb)
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below.
How to have your say
All submissions on the draft Noise Regulations 2026 must be received by 5pm on 19 June 2026.
At the conclusion of this public consultation period submissions will be published on the Departments website (unless a preference is stated otherwise). Private information will be omitted.
All consultation will be considered and any amendments that arise from the consultation will be proposed for inclusion in the Final Draft Regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the Noise Regulations do?
The main objective of Noise Regulations is to limit the amount and impact of noise in residential neighbourhoods. They apply to common noise sources such as off-road motor vehicles, motor vessels, appliances, power tools, garden equipment, heating and cooling devices, sound systems and musical instruments.
Why is it necessary to remake them?
Regulations are required to be remade every 10 years under the Subordinate Legislation Act 1992 to ensure they remain relevant, effective and accountable.
What has changed from the 2016 Noise Regulations?
The draft 2026 regulations largely replicate the provisions in the 2016 Regulations. A few small changes are proposed:
Terminology changes to ensure both motor and engine power tools are within the hours-of-use regime (Schedule 1); and
The introduction of an evidentiary provision to help with establishing questions of fact (reg 6). This is essentially including a rule that helps establish what is true.
Who regulates the Noise Regulations?
Primary responsibility for the enforcement and compliance lies with Local Government, Tasmania Police and EPA Tasmania.
When will the 2026 Noise Regulations come into effect?
The new Noise Regulations will come into effect once they have been finalised, approved and gazetted. This is expected to happen in early August 2026.