Either Canberra is getting noisier, or more of us are fed up with it.
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Noise complaints have exploded across Canberra, new figures reveal.
Close to 1300 noise complaints were made across the city last year, about 45 per cent more than the previous year – and 2015's rowdiest suburb barely warranted a mention the year before.
Data compiled by Access Canberra revealed Kingston as Canberra's most-grumbled-about suburb in 2015.
Canberra's oldest and most densely populated suburb attracted 80 noise complaints, 64 of which related to amplified music.
Kingston Barton Residents Group president Rebecca Scouller said the increase in noise was primarily due to to urban infill.
"With increased development, particularly apartments and multi-use developments it is only natural that some parts of Kingston are noisier," she said.
She said the quality of some infrastructure on Kingston Foreshore has been an issue, particularly when managing noise spill from late night entertainment venues.
The changed purpose of some infrastructure, like Manuka Oval, has also played a part in the growing noise.
"This change in use [of Manuka Oval] in the middle of a residential area is more noticeable than if it was, for example, at Bruce Stadium."
Kingston usurped Civic as the most-complained-about town centre in the city.
While gripes about noise pollution in Civic rose in 2015, it only had about a third of the amplified music complaints of Kingston.
Kingston resident and Inner South Canberra Community Council chairman Gary Kent said while Kingston can be a noisy place to live, it's the price you pay for living in a city.
"People living in Kingston love it because it's so vibrant and there's so many things to do but there will naturally be noise and providing the people who generate noise are considerate, and do what they can to minimise the impact, then everyone's happy," he said.
Ms Scouller said while it could be argued that buying into areas like New Acton, Braddon and the Kingston Foreshore is a "lifestyle decision", the balance is still being established in these precincts.
While the residents group is working through these issues with the ACT Government and Manuka Oval management, she said they're still waiting on an update and additional consultation on future plans for the precinct.
"It is about mutual respect between the residents, visitors and businesses to ensure there is a cohesive environment that respects and balances the needs of residents and the broader community," she said.
Kambah and Belconnen were the next most-complained-about suburbs.
Blaring music drew the ire of most complainants, however there were 20 grievances lodged about noisy air conditioners in Belconnen.
Turned-up tunes accounted for around three in five noise complaints but other rollicking pursuits also attracted neighbours' scorn.
There were 13 complaints about overly-loud gym equipment in Bruce while Bonython and Civic tied for the mantle of the noisiest garden maintenance, with seven complaints each.
Data compiled by ACT Policing shows that hotter temperatures seemed to amplify rowdy behaviour across the city, with more complaints in the warmer half of the year.
Police data showed their officers received the most noise complaints from residents in Braddon and Reid.
The loudest month was March while the quietest was June.
Residents can be penalised if they fail to comply with police direction to cease offensive noise.
For noise restrictions across the ACT, head to the Environment and Planning Directorate's website.
