Air Pollution

We can investigate complaints about smoke, odours, spray painting and dust.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority has a broader range of powers to investigate other complaints.

How to raise an issue with us

Report it online

You can raise an issue by phone: 1300 581 299.

Please supply as much detail as possible, including photos if you have them. This helps us to investigate your issue quickly and thoroughly.

Wood heaters and fireplaces

We will investigate complaints of excessive smoke from wood heaters and fireplaces.

If you are installing a new wood or solid fuel heater, you may need to apply for a development application.

Visit the NSW Environment Protection Authority website for more information on how to select, install and operate your wood or solid fuel heater.

Backyard burning

Backyard burning is prohibited in Bayside.

You can have a fire for recreational purposes, including barbeques and fire pits.

Visit the NSW Environment Protection Authority website for more information.

Cooking odours

We will investigate issues with cooking odours from restaurants and commercial food premises.

If you experience issues with odours from domestic cooking, we recommed you talk to your neighbour. If you cannot resolve the issue, the Community Justice Centre may be able to help you mediate the issue with your neighbour.

Vehicle exhaust pollution

You can report vehicle pollution to the NSW Environmental Protection Authority.

You must make your report within 14 days of observing the vehicle. 

Home based businesses

We can investigate issues with home based businesses that are emitting:

  • smell

  • fumes

  • soot

  • vapour

  • steam

  • ash

  • dust.

Air pollution from a business

To report an issue with air pollution from a business:

  1. Check if the business has an environment protection license on the EPA's license register

  2. If the business has an environment protection license, contact the EPA on 131 555

  3. If the business does not have an environment protection license, contact us:

Construction sites

Construction site operators and owner builders must minimise dust emissions from their sites.

Development applications consider the level of dust control required for a development. When we investigate, we look at whether the level of dust breaches the standards set in development consent conditions.