A pilot clinic at Wyndham Legal Service is helping to keep neighbourhood disputes out of the courts.
The clinic, run with the help of the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria, was launched in an effort to increase the number of disputes settled by mediation.
Latest figures from the centre reveal that 672 complaints about neighbourhood disputes were made in Wyndham in 2012-13. More than half of the complaints related to fences, while 166 were about neighbour behaviour.
In a draft report into access to legal services in outer-suburban areas to be released later this year, Wyndham Legal Service lawyer Shorna Moore has identified neighbourhood disputes as an increasing problem in growth areas.
Ms Moore said the fortnightly clinic was helping homeowners in new estates settle disputes that might otherwise escalate into criminal matters such as assaults.
“There is a need for a less adversarial modal which encourages people to resolve disputes with their neighbours outside the courtroom,” she said.
DSCV director Gina Ralston said it was important to seek advice before disputes got out of hand.
“Don’t let disagreements over issues such as fencing, barking dogs or loud music degenerate into more serious conflict such as assault, criminal damage or harassment,” she said.
» To attend the clinic, phone 9741 0198
