Noise Disturbance

Friends of Sydney Harbour want the harbour to be enjoyed by everyone. We are not opposed to party boats however we support the responsible control and governance of Party Boats to provide a safe and enjoyable harbour for all ..... not just those on the boats.

Over the last year local communities have reported a significant reduction in the impact of amplified noise of some vessels and commercial vessel operators. This is specifically due to these particular vessels staying 'under voyage', remaining out of 'community use bays' and moving in a more central Sydney Harbour 'lane'. This is an extremely positive step and demonstrates how Commercial Operators, NSW Authorities and Local Communities can work together for both commercial and community collaboration.

The harbour has always been a public space, and like any public space, say a park or a beach it comes with responsibilities to obey the law, and the consideration of others. Since the uptake in the number of charter vessels, especially Party Boats the summer months in particular have caused many residents, visitors and other harbour users to raise objections to the vessels mooring in peaceful bays and coves and creating excessive amplified music - for many hours, day and night.

​FoSH invites members of the public to send us comment, and to report any excessive noise on the harbour to the authorities. Please feel free to send details of your concerns to FoSH. FoSH has been working with authorities for many years voicing the concerns of the public to best manage Sydney Harbour for All to enjoy.

NSW Liquor & Gaming is the current authority which manages noise disturbance from licensed venues, including vessels, in NSW. The Noise Complaint Fact Sheet, including a link for making a complaint is listed below:

Relevant authorities:

• NSW Liquor & Gaming https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/1310011/noise-complaint-fact-sheet.pdf

• The Roads and Maritime Information Line on 131 236 (Monday - Friday 8.30 am - 5 pm. Weekends 8.30 am - 4.30 pm) https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/operations/roads-and-waterways/environment-and-heritage/environmental-compliance/noise-from-vessels#:~:text=Report%20a%20noise%20complaint&text=Complaints%20relating%20to%20'entertainment%20noise,via%20Complaints%20%2D%20Liquor%20%26%20Gaming%20NSW

• If outside these hours leave a voice mail and/or contact the NSW Police Marine Area Command on (02) 93207499