Question 1

What does SEPP 65 require for acoustics in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

SEPP 65 and the Apartment Design Guide (ADG) require that residential flat buildings in NSW achieve: internal noise levels per AS/NZS 2107, minimum sound insulation of Rw + Ctr >= 50 between apartments, and acoustic separation between commercial and residential uses. The ADG also requires that bedrooms do not share walls with lift shafts or common corridors without enhanced acoustic treatment.

Question 2

Is acoustic testing required in Sydney?

Accepted Answer

While not universally mandated by the NCC, acoustic testing is increasingly required in Sydney for: developments under SEPP 65, Green Star certified buildings, developments near major roads or railway lines (as a condition of development consent), and projects seeking BASIX compliance. Many Sydney councils include acoustic testing as a condition of the Construction Certificate.

Question 3

What are Sydney-specific acoustic challenges?

Accepted Answer

Key acoustic challenges in Sydney include: aircraft noise from Sydney Airport affecting a large part of the metropolitan area, high-density residential development requiring careful attention to inter-tenancy sound insulation, mixed-use developments with entertainment venues (particularly in areas like Kings Cross and Darling Harbour), and rail noise from the Metro and heavy rail network.

Room Type	RT60 Target	Standard
Open-plan office	≤ 0.8s	AS/NZS 2107
Classroom	≤ 0.5s	AS/NZS 2107
Residential living	≤ 0.8s	AS/NZS 2107

Acoustic Design Requirements in Sydney

RT60 Targets for Sydney

Common Building Types in Sydney Requiring Acoustic Design

Acoustic Consultants in Sydney

Frequently Asked Questions: Sydney Acoustics

Other Australia City Guides

Check Your Sydney Acoustic Compliance