Member for Barron River, Steve Wettenhall has urged local residents to have their say about the Bligh Government’s draft new laws that are designed to help neighbours resolve disputes over trees and fences.

Mr Wettenhall said the new laws, which had been released for consultation by Attorney-General Cameron Dick on 12 May, would modernise and simplify the way neighbours handled disputes over trees and fences.

“The public has been seeking a better way to resolve conflict over trees and fences through laws that are clear, easy to understand and can be applied relatively simply,” Mr Wettenhall said.

“In this draft Bill, we have modernised the outdated laws regarding dividing fences, which were introduced almost 60 years ago, to ensure they are more applicable to life in Queensland in the 21st century.

“Many people have also approached me because they felt the existing methods of resolving disputes involving trees did not provide a realistic solution.

“The new laws address these concerns, clarifying parts of the current legislation while establishing a formal resolution process for dealing with disputes about trees.

“The Bill will place an obligation on a tree keeper to prune branches overhanging onto their neighbour’s land when the neighbour gives notice to them.”

Key changes proposed in the draft Bill include:

• clearer definitions of “sufficient dividing fence” and the types of trees covered by  the proposed new laws
• a framework for resolving disputes between neighbours over trees and fences,  including the use of formal notices for contributing to and/or maintaining a dividing  fence
• clarification of the responsibilities of a “tree keeper” (usually the tree’s owner) to  ensure their tree does not cause injury or damage to persons or a neighbour’s property
• the use of the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal to adjudicate  disputes.

“No one wants their relationship with a neighbour to turn sour over something that could be easily resolved,” Mr Wettenhall said.

“Friendly, tight-knit communities are one of Queensland’s great strengths and the proposed laws will help us preserve this lifestyle.”

The draft Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Bill is available at www.justice.qld.gov.au, and feedback can be provided until 9 July 2010

ENDS