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Clearer And Simpler Fence Laws Have Arrived In The Morwell Electorate  Clearer And Simpler Fence Laws Have Arrived In The Morwell Electorate The Coalition Government is acting to minimise fencing disputes that are far too common in local communities, Member for Morwell Russell Northe said. By Russell Northe - 29th April 2014 - Back to News This week the Coalition Government passed new legislation through Parliament that makes the laws about fences clearer, simpler and fairer.
"Good fences make good neighbours and the Coalition Government is acting to make fencing guidelines clearer and easier for local home owners," Mr Northe said.
"The new laws will, for the first time in Victoria, establish clear rules and procedures that neighbours can follow when negotiating the type and location of their boundary fence."
In 2012-13 fencing disputes represented the greatest number of calls to the Dispute Settlement Centre, with 6,611 inquiries.
The new laws establish clear rules and procedures that neighbours can follow when negotiating the type and location of their boundary fence.
Mr Northe said if parties couldn’t agree informally about a new or replacement fence, a neighbour would be able to give a specified notice to the other neighbour setting out details of a proposed fence type and location, estimated cost and proposed cost-sharing basis.
"If the neighbours then can’t reach agreement, either owner will be able seek an order from the Magistrates’ Court specifying what fence should be built and how the costs should be shared." Mr Northe explained.
"Unfortunately fencing disputes have been common in Victoria and complaints about neighbourhood fencing disputes are increasing.
"These changes seek to reverse the trend by providing a clearer framework for settling fencing arrangements privately and, if disputes arise, resolving them quickly."
Media contact: 5133 9088
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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