By Belinda Nolan
HUNDREDS of frustrated Brimbank residents have sought help to resolve neighbourhood wars.
New statistics released by the Department of Justice show more than 680 Brimbank residents contacted the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) last financial year for advice in solving disputes with their neighbours, the third highest of any council area in the state.
Of 684 calls for assistance, only 26 were referred for mediation.
The figures are down on the 2009-2010 financial year, which saw 727 Brimbank residents contact the DSCV, the most of any local government area.
The most common complaints were disputes about fences, which accounted for 269 calls, while bad behaviour, including bullying and trespassing, prompted 204 people to seek help.
Meanwhile, more than 100 people complained about trees and shrubs, while 22 were protesting about car or property damage.
The DSCV received more than 17,000 calls for advice and assistance in 2010-11, a four per cent hike over the past three years.
DSCV manager Gina Ralston said her organisation had assisted thousands of disputing parties across the state through phone calls, letters, negotiation and mediation.
“Some of the calls resulted in mediation sessions that aim to make resolution cheaper, fairer and simpler than costly court action,” Ms Ralston said.
“At these mediations, over 70 per cent were able to reach an agreement.
“Fence disputes continue to cause the most friction between neighbours, particularly when there are disputes over sharing the cost towards the construction of a new fence.”
Ms Ralston said Brimbank was a hotspot for disputes due to a civil mediation pilot at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court.
For more information ion mediation services visit www.disputes.vic.gov.au
