Reclaim Seized Equipment

Equipment taken by Council's Noise Control Officers is held at the Council offices. Equipment is returned after the owner pays a fine and agrees to keep noise to a reasonable level in future.

Why Equipment is Seized

The Council's Noise Control Officers may remove equipment, such as stereos and amplifiers, if the owners don't reduce excessive noise to a reasonable level for 72 hours after the officers have issued a noise direction notice.

Collecting Seized Equipment

To get the equipment back, the owner must pay a fine and agree to keep noise to a reasonable level in the future.

To collect your equipment you need to:

phone the Council to arrange a suitable time with a Noise Control Officer
pay a fine of $100 (GST included)
give proof you own the equipment, such as warranty, sale or hire purchase documents including - if possible - serial numbers
give proof of ID (driver's licence or similar)
complete an application form saying the excessive noise won't continue if the equipment is returned to you.

Extra costs:

You also have to pay for any extra costs for removing and storing your equipment.

Complete the application form below and bring it with you to:

Council Service Centre
101 Wakefield Street

Phone: (04) 499 444

Return of Seized Equipment Application (14Kb PDF)

Repeat Complaints

If the Council receives further complaints after returning your equipment to you, it is unlikely it will be returned if seized a second time.