Perth Voice Interactive

BARKING dogs were behind 848 noise complaints to Stirling council last financial year.

There were 1666 noise complaints all up last financial year—more than the combined total of Bayswater, Vincent and Perth councils. Loud music and rowdy parties (481), industrial work (143) and “general noise” from houses (24) were the other main nuisances. Roosters and parrots ruffled 23 feathers.

Council CEO Stuart Jardine says a staffer addresses every complaint with a house visit and will only issue a fine if problems continue. “Nine times out of 10, the city is able to work with the parties concerned to come to a mutually beneficial outcome,” he says.

Staff issued 11 fines totalling $3700—well down on the 21 that raked in $6000 the year before.

Over at Bayswater, residents mostly complained about rowdy parties, followed by early construction work. They also had a lot to say about loud pets, mostly roosters and dogs—with 233 animal complaints.

Perth city council workers dealt with 323 complaints, mostly related to building noise and concerts/events. This was up from 234 in 2013/14.

Spokesman Michael Holland says the rise was caused by more events and new developments.

by EMMIE DOWLING