Dividing fences
From 1 November 2011, the Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Act 2011 deals with laws about trees and dividing fences in Queensland. This replaces the Dividing Fences Act.
More information regarding the new laws is available from the Department of Justice and Attorney-General website. Please refer to their website if you need further assistance.
General changes for fences
The Act includes a wider definition of the term fence (including hedges) and clearer definition of the term ‘sufficient dividing fence’. Other general changes include a single ‘Notice for contribution to fencing work’ form, clarification that the ownership of the dividing fence on a common boundary is shared equally, distinction between a retaining wall and a fence, and clearer rules for pastoral and agricultural fences.General changes for trees
The Act states that the proper care and maintenance of a tree will be the responsibility of the tree keeper and provides greater choices for neighbours about trees affecting their property.Resolving tree and fence disputes
Every year, thousands of Queenslanders find themselves in the middle of a neighbourhood dispute about a tree or a fence. The new Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Act 2011 will make it easier for neighbours to resolve their disputes over trees and fences.