Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2019 (Qld)

Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2019

1 Short title This policy may be cited as the Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2019.

2 Commencement This policy commences on 1 September 2019.

3 Definitions The dictionary in schedule 2 defines particular words used in this policy.

4 Application This policy applies to the acoustic environment.

5 Purpose (1) The purpose of this policy is to achieve the object of the Act in relation to the acoustic environment. (2) The purpose is achieved by— (a) identifying and declaring the environmental values of the acoustic environment; and (b) stating acoustic quality objectives that are directed at enhancing or protecting the environmental values; and (c) providing a framework for making consistent, equitable and informed decisions that relate to the acoustic environment.

6 Environmental values The environmental values to be enhanced or protected under this policy are— (a) the qualities of the acoustic environment that are conducive to protecting the health and biodiversity of ecosystems; and (b) the qualities of the acoustic environment that are conducive to human health and wellbeing, including by ensuring a suitable acoustic environment for individuals to do any of the following— (i) sleep; (ii) study or learn; (iii) be involved in recreation, including relaxation and conversation; and (c) the qualities of the acoustic environment that are conducive to protecting the amenity of the community.

7 Acoustic quality objectives for sensitive receptors (1) This section and schedule 1 state the acoustic quality objectives to be achieved and maintained under this policy. (2) For a sensitive receptor stated in schedule 1, column 1, the value stated in schedule 1, column 3 is the acoustic quality objective for the time of day mentioned in schedule 1, column 2 for the sensitive receptor. (3) The environmental value to be enhanced or protected by the acoustic quality objective is stated in schedule 1, column 4 for the sensitive receptor. (4) An acoustic quality objective stated in schedule 1 is expressed as a measurement of an acoustic descriptor. (5) If it is reasonable in the circumstances, an acoustic quality objective may be progressively achieved and maintained as part of achieving the object of this policy over the long term. (6) This section does not apply to a noise— (a) mentioned in schedule 1, part 1, section 1 of the Act; or (b) experienced within a residence or a workplace if the noise is made within the residence or workplace. (7) In this section— acoustic descriptor means any of the following measures— • LAeq,adj,1hr; • LA10,adj,1hr; • LA1,adj,1hr. workplace see the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, section 8.