Shine launches kit aimed at resolving neighbourhood disputes
Published Tuesday, 17 February, 2009 at 05:00 AM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
A new kit aimed at resolving neighbourhood conflict was launched today by Minister for Justice and Attorney-General Kerry Shine.
The kit is particularly timely with the Dispute Resolution Branch noticing an increase in demand for its services in the past few months following storms in Queensland’s south east and flooding in north Queensland.
“People living in areas affected by recent bad weather are under a lot of stress and this can be made worse if there are disagreements over the clean-up,” Mr Shine said.
“This new kit and the Government’s specialist mediators offer a free service to help neighbours try to settle these disputes.”
The Dispute Resolution Branch has reported disagreements including those about clearing fallen trees and repairing damage to fences as some of the common problems that can arise post-storm.
Mr Shine said the disputes were particularly difficult where one person was not covered by insurance or could not afford to repair the damage.
The Dispute Resolution Branch recommends the following approach:
1. Address issues as they arise rather than allowing them to fester over a period of time (experience shows that neighbourhood conflicts that are not addressed tend to escalate).
2. Approach your neighbour in person rather than leaving a note or sending a letter.
3. Set a time to speak to your neighbour (it is important to pick a time that is suitable to them as well as you).
4. Express your concerns in a respectful, non-blaming manner.
5. Listen to your neighbour’s concerns.
The new Neighbourhood Mediation Kit includes advice on how to approach your neighbour to discuss a concern and tips on setting up mediation. It also includes a workbook to help people prepare for mediation.
The kit is available at www.justice.qld.gov.au. It will also be available in Queensland libraries.
Media Contact: Lisa Taylor 0488741689 or Kate Lennox 32247481
The kit is particularly timely with the Dispute Resolution Branch noticing an increase in demand for its services in the past few months following storms in Queensland’s south east and flooding in north Queensland.
“People living in areas affected by recent bad weather are under a lot of stress and this can be made worse if there are disagreements over the clean-up,” Mr Shine said.
“This new kit and the Government’s specialist mediators offer a free service to help neighbours try to settle these disputes.”
The Dispute Resolution Branch has reported disagreements including those about clearing fallen trees and repairing damage to fences as some of the common problems that can arise post-storm.
Mr Shine said the disputes were particularly difficult where one person was not covered by insurance or could not afford to repair the damage.
The Dispute Resolution Branch recommends the following approach:
1. Address issues as they arise rather than allowing them to fester over a period of time (experience shows that neighbourhood conflicts that are not addressed tend to escalate).
2. Approach your neighbour in person rather than leaving a note or sending a letter.
3. Set a time to speak to your neighbour (it is important to pick a time that is suitable to them as well as you).
4. Express your concerns in a respectful, non-blaming manner.
5. Listen to your neighbour’s concerns.
The new Neighbourhood Mediation Kit includes advice on how to approach your neighbour to discuss a concern and tips on setting up mediation. It also includes a workbook to help people prepare for mediation.
The kit is available at www.justice.qld.gov.au. It will also be available in Queensland libraries.
Media Contact: Lisa Taylor 0488741689 or Kate Lennox 32247481