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Step by step guide - Applying for a noise abatement order

How to apply for a noise abatement order in the Local Court of NSW.

 

  • Quick Information

    Before you go to court, you should think about whether there is a better way to resolve the problem such as negotiation or mediation. 

    Going to court will cost you time and money and can affect your relationship with your neighbour. 

    Mediation through Community Justice Centres is free and can help resolve issues and improve relationships. 

    For more information, see Talking to your neighbour.

    If you need an interpreter, you should tell the court as soon as possible so that one can be arranged for the mention. The court will pay for the interpreter.

You will need one form:

  • Application Notice – General

This form is called 'Application to the Local Court'. 

You can get copies of the form from:

You will need to fill in the form see: 

When you complete the form you must include:

  • your name and address
  • your neighbour's name and address
  • a brief description of the noise problem
  • that you want a noise abatement order
  • the grounds (reasons) why you want a noise abatement order to be made. 

Once you have completed your form you must:

  • file it at the Local Court
  • pay the filing fee. You can check the current filing fee on the Local Court website. 

The registrar of the court must sign your form before it can be accepted by the court. You should check with your Local Court to find out how they do this. The court staff may make an appointment for you to see the registrar.

The registrar will look over your application to assess whether:

  • your form shows the grounds (reasons) for the application
  • you have used the correct form
  • there is any reason for refusing the application.

Take the original and three copies of your application. The court will stamp all the copies and keep the original. You will then have one copy to serve on your neighbour, one to keep and one spare.

The registrar may ask if you and your neighbour have tried mediation or made any other attempts to resolve the problem. The registrar may refer you a Community Justice Centre (CJC) for mediation and ask you to come back to court if the mediation is unsuccessful.

For more information on how to prepare for mediation, see Mediation.

You must serve one stamped copy of the application on your neighbour. You can do this by:

  • giving the application to your neighbour in person, or
  • leaving the application in the presence of your neighbour, or
  • arranging for the sheriff at the court to serve the application, or
  • arranging for a private process server to serve the application.

You can check the fee for service by the sheriff on the Local Court website.

The person who has served the application will need to complete the "Statement of Service" section on your stamped copy of the application. You can provide this to the court at the mention if you are asked about proof of service.

The Local Court will write the day and time that your case is listed for 'mention' on the filed application. You must go to court on this date or your application will be dismissed.