New Queensland laws to resolve neighbourhood disputes over dividing fences and nuisance trees have won the backing of Ipswich City Council.
Ipswich Planning spokesman Paul Tully said existing laws were inadequate to deal with complex issues over dividing fences.
Cr Tully said during his 30 years in local government, fights over fences and nuisance trees had escalated in the community.
"Some dodgy developers are now taking advantage of existing laws to force neighbours to pay for new fences required under planning approvals for adjoining land.
"They are making millions out of their developments and are trying to pass the costs onto local residents.
"One resident at Bellbird Park was threatened with legal action by a developer if he didn't agree to pay for an expensive boundary fence for the sole benefit of the developer."
Cr Tully said disputes about overhanging trees, dangerous trees and invasive tree roots were also on the increase.
"Many property owners ignore the problem forcing their neighbours into taking expensive legal action in the Supreme Court.
"Most affected property owners cannot afford this.
"These new laws will solve many community disputes in Queensland's 73 local government areas," Cr Tully said.
PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au
Click "Home" below to see all posts on this website.
If "Home" does not appear, all posts are currently displayed.
