South East Queensland Flood Queries

Information in relation to insurance queries fs-stormInsurance

Information for tenants: Tenants Union – Information for tenants affected by the flood

Fence and Tree Disputes

Taken from: Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Project Department of Justice and Attorney-General

Disputes about trees and fences are two of the biggest causes of neighbourhood discontent in Queensland.

The Department of Justice and Attorney-General (DJAG) is currently asking the Queensland community for their feedback about draft laws that will provide clear and practical ways to solve neighbourhood disputes over trees and fences.

The Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Bill 2010 is open for public comment until 9 July 2010. It is available from the DJAG website, www.justice.qld.gov.au or from the Queensland Parliament website, www.parliament.qld.gov.au.

The Bill addresses community concerns raised during two consultation processes including the views that the laws needed to be clearer and easier to follow and that a tree keeper should be responsible for the proper care and maintenance of a tree.

Other general changes include:

* clear direction about a tree keeper’s responsibilities

* clarification that the ownership of a dividing fence on a common boundary is shared equally between neighbours

* a new statutory framework giving the Queensland Civil and administrative Tribunal (QCAT) jurisdiction to make orders in disputes about trees and fences.

* two new forms – ‘Notice for contribution to fencing work’ and
‘Notice for overhanging branches’

* the distinction between a retaining wall and a fence, and

* clearer rules for pastoral and agricultural fences.

Learn more, get involved and have your say about the proposed new laws.

Public consultation closes on 9 July 2010. For more information about the Bill and how to provide feedback, visit DJAG’s website www.justice.qld.gov.au

Friendly, tight-knit communities are one of Queensland’s great strengths. This Bill modernises outdated legislation and legal remedies to help us preserve our great lifestyle and make it easier for neighbours to avoid and reduce disputes before they escalate.