The New South Wales government has introduced new regulations to curb the noise emitted by the boats of Sydney Harbour partygoers. The regulations, which come into effect before New Year’s Eve, will place heavier rules around noise while out on the water, with boats that play amplified music prohibited from anchoring or mooring, or operating within 200m of the shore between 10pm and 8am.
The new regulations are part of an effort by the government to reduce the nuisance of loud noise in Sydney Harbour. Noise pollution has become a major issue in the city, with some residents complaining of loud music coming from boats late into the night. The regulations are designed to address this issue, while still allowing people to enjoy their time on the water.
Boats with amplified sound systems are now only allowed to moor or anchor between 8am and midnight, reducing the amount of time for “parked” parties by two hours.
Starting from December 2022, the rules will change, except Friday and Saturday nights, as well as nights prior to a public holiday, which will still follow the midnight to 8am regulations.
No commercial party boats may be run within 200 meters of any shore in Sydney Harbour, North Harbour, and Middle Harbour, and they are not allowed to be operated west of Kirribilli and Bennelong Points between midnight and 8am.
If commercial vessel operators commit an offence, they may be liable to receive a penalty notice or direction under the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017.
