Fights over fences biggest cause of neighbour disputes according to Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria
FENCES and bad behaviour are the biggest causes of disputes between neighbours, the latest figures show.
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FENCES and bad behaviour are the biggest causes of disputes between neighbours, the latest figures show.
Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria figures for the 12 months to July 2016 show 20,000 Victorians called for advice, with almost 7000 of those calls about fences.
Most queries related to who was responsible for paying for a dividing fence and the type of material that should be used to build it.
Second on the list were behavioural problems — such as bullying, harassment and trespass — with more than 5200 people calling the centre to discuss these issues.
Calls about trees, noise and tenancy matters are also in the top 10 list of disputes.
Although there was a slight rise in the number of people contacting the centre when compared with the 2014-15 financial year, 87 fewer people called with fence disputes this time around.
Greater Geelong — second only to Casey as Victoria’s most populous local government area — had the highest number of calls made during 2015-16 at 811.
Casey had the highest number of calls to the centre from a metropolitan council area, with 787, although this was down from the 898 calls from the previous financial year.
Brimbank followed with 777 calls, Hume with 724, Boroondara with 641 and Wyndham with 612, but these figures were all down on the number of calls from these areas in 2014-15.
Centre director Dahna Bond told Leader that law changes in 2014 made it easier for property owners to understand their responsibilities for dividing fences.
“The vast majority of people who become involved in neighbourhood disputes manage to resolve their issues quickly and effectively,” Ms Bond said.
“Often disputes arise because one party hasn’t informed the other of their plans. Having a discussion early on before any work begins can help avoid problems down the track.
“It is important for people to talk through issues in a calm and considered way to help resolve issues at an early stage.”
The centre provides free services across Victoria to help people resolve common neighbourhood disputes regarding matters such as fences, trees, animals, noise and drainage.
It can also mediate rows about anti-social behaviour, workplace disputes and those between committees, clubs and incorporated associations.
For more information or advice about solving neighbourhood disputes visit disputes.vic.gov.au or phone 1300 372 888.
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