Complaints

Council's Environmental Health Unit may be able to assist residents with a number of problems that have a direct adverse impact on the health of our residents.  Council cannot necessarily take action regarding actions that are annoying to neighbours.

Generally, situations that the Environmental Health Unit commonly gets involved in are:

• Offensive odours
• Smokey wood heaters - excessive smoke for longer than 20 minutes after the fire is started
• Drainage  from faulty septic systems
• Noise from building sites (early starts), loud music, airconditioners or pool pumps
• Mosquito breeding grounds being created from stagnant swimming pools
• Tobacco control (sales of cigarettes to minors or smoking in enclosed workplaces)

In the first instance Council recommends contacting your neighbour to discuss your concerns.  In many instances neighbourhood disputes can be amicably resolved without the need to involve Council officers.  If this does not result in a resolution to the issue then consider contacting Council to discuss your issues.

Where noise issues occur outside of normal business hours Council recommends you contact your local police station to lodge your complaints.  The Police are best placed to respond to late night noise complaints or issues where neighbours may be threatening.

Noise occurring from major industries is dealt with by the EPA.  Any queries or complaints relating to this should be directed to the EPA directly on 1300 372 842.

Complaints can be lodged with the Environmental Health Unit on 9433 3340 or by lodging a request via the health services email  health.services@nillumbik.vic.gov.au .

Please note that in order for the Environmental Health Unit to fully investigate complaints name and contact details must be provided by the complainant.  Council’s Environmental Health Unit does not investigate anonymous complaints.

If you are experiencing an on-going problem regarding noise or excessive smoke, please download the guidance notes and logsheets.

EPA – Noise prevention and control in Victoria http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/noise/default.asp