Light Nuisance

Light nuisance, or light pollution, is excessive or poorly directed artificial light that can interfere with daily activities, disrupt sleep and negatively impact health and wellbeing. Sources of light nuisance include security lights, spotlights, floodlights and poorly shielded streetlights. Bright lights can make it difficult to see, read and work, and excessive light can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia and other sleep problems. Prolonged exposure to bright lights can negatively impact mood, concentration and overall health.

It is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to cause a light nuisance.

Ways to Reduce Light Emissions

  • Turn off lights when not in use or required for security purposes. Consider sensor switches.
  • Locate lights as far as possible from neighbours and away from sensitive areas such as bedroom windows.
  • Avoid placing lights near reflective surfaces and use existing features to hide the light source from view.
  • Direct light downwards to illuminate the target area. If there is no alternative, try shades, shields or baffles to help reduce spill light.
  • Keep the glare to a minimum. Ensure the main light beam is kept below 70° from horizontal.
  • Use lower wattage light globe.

Lighting must meet Australian Standard (AS 4282-1997) and its fit-for-purpose guidelines.

If You are Affected by Light Nuisance

  1. Try to resolve the issue with your neighbour.
  2. If the matter can’t be resolved, keep a record of when and where the light nuisance is occurring, and take photos or videos to document the problem.
  3. Contact us to report the problem.

TRC’s Role in Light Nuisance Complaints

TRC is responsible for enforcing nuisance laws arising from residential and commercial properties. If issues between neighbours cannot be resolved, we must investigate to determine if the light source is lawful or unlawful. If the light is found to be causing a nuisance, we may issue an enforcement order that states the issue(s) and an appropriate timeframe to remediate the problem.

Complaint Investigation Criteria

When investigating a light complaint we will consider:

  • the type of light
  • the amount of light
  • the duration and rate of emission
  • the light’s characteristics and qualities
  • the sensitivity of the environment
  • the impact that the light has had or may have
  • views of any other neighbours and complainants
  • other relevant criteria.