Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 1997.

This act establishes a policy for the preservation and management of the acoustic environment, intended as a “the part of the environment of a place characterised by the noise that may be experienced there” (sect. 4). The purpose of this regulation is to pursue ecologically sustainable development, as requested by the Environmental Protection Act 1994, in relation to the acoustic environment (sect. 8). To achieve this purpose, the policy (a) identifies environmental values to be enhanced or protected; and (b) specifies an acoustic quality objective; and (c) provides a framework for— (i) making consistent and fair decisions that best protect Queensland’s acoustic environment; and (ii) developing noise management programs with the involvement of government entities, industry groups and the community; and (iii) making accurate and consistent noise assessments; and (iv) providing consumers with important information about noise.
Part 3 applies to the procedures to be followed when making environmental management decisions. Part 4 sets labelling requirements for prescribed products, which include chainsaws, grass-cutting machines and mobile air compressors. Part 5 is dedicated to noise assessment. The regulation is completed by 4 schedules.