The NSW EPA has recently consulted on a range of proposed changes to the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017 (current Regulation).
The Regulation specifies rules and regulatory options for managing offensive noise from motor vehicles, marine vessels and common neighbourhood sources, such as air conditioners, intruder alarms, amplified music, gardening equipment, power tools, and notably for members pool pumps are covered by these regulations.
The review has been informed by consultation with key stakeholders including local councils, Transport for NSW, NSW Police, NSW Health, the Office of Local Government, as well as peak bodies, industry representatives and the community.
You can read the review, draft Regulation, Regulatory Impact Statement, and a summary of changes on the NSW EPA website: https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/review-poeo-noise-control-regulation
The Summary provides a good outline of what is being proposed:
Pumps (other than heat-pump water heaters) (chapter 5.3.3).
Feedback from stakeholders has indicated that modern pumps are quieter and more efficient than those that were commonly used when the current provisions of the Noise Control Regulation were drafted. Extending the night-time operating hours from 8 pm to 9 pm will provide increased flexibility for people using amenities that require the operation of pumps, such as swimming pools, without causing significant changes to noise impacts.
SPASA strongly supported the proposal to extend pump operating hours from 8pm to 9pm ( as outlined in section 48 of the draft regulation, and section 5.3.3 of the RIS). SPASA also added that the hours of operation could be further extended to allow operation between 7am and 10pm
We were pleased to see the department’s acknowledgement that, “…modern pumps are quieter and more efficient than those that were commonly used when the current provisions of the Noise Control Regulation were drafted.”
SPASA also took the opportunity to provide further feedback for consideration, suggesting that the improvements to modern pumps warrants the removal of distance requirements where it can be demonstrated that the pump, enclosure, performance solution or combination of can operate within maximum noise levels, when measured at a relevant position at a noise affected premises.
This change would allow greater flexibility in pool design, pump placement, and also acknowledges the increasing challenge faced by installing pools in ever-shrinking dimensions of residential blocks.
After March 2026 NSW EPA will review feedback and amend the draft regulation if required.
Following this, a consultation outcomes report will be publicly released.
Finally, the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2026 will be finalised and published.
SPASA will keep members updated on the progress of the consultation. After the survey closes, members can provide feedback via email to the NSW Environment Protection Authority: [email protected]