PARTIES and loud music are behind almost 300 noise complaints made to Melville city council over 12 months.

Last financial year, the council received 291 complaints relating to loud parties, music and concerts. The total number of noise complaints was 593—more than double the combined total at Cockburn (207) and Fremantle (66). Melville’s complaints include construction noise (127) and air conditioners and pool pumps (42). CEO Shayne Silcox says if neighbours can’t resolve their issues, the council hands out a last-resort fine of $250—the council issued seven over the year, slightly more than last year.

Over the past year at Cockburn council, 54 complaints were made about loud music, 46 for construction work and 16 for bird noise—including rooster crowing. “The main animal noise complaint relates to roosters,” planning and development director Daniel Arndt says. He says there has been a jump in construction-related complaints because of an increase in developments in the district.

Fremantle council had the least noise complaints, 27 (not including 54 barking dog reports).

by EMMIE DOWLING