Neighbourhood rows over trees are no longer an issue for the courts in Queensland.

Residents now have the right to take fencing issues into their own hands.

Candice Anderson reports.

TRANSCRIPT

It’s time to love thy neighbour, if you don’t, it could cost you.

From today Queensland residents can bill neighbours up to $300 for the cost of cutting overhanging tree branches.

The new neighbourhood disputes law is designed to streamline the complaints process that was previously handled in court.

Paul Lucas, Attorney General: “No government can legislate for common sense or good neighbourly relations, but it takes two to tango when it comes to neighbourhood issues.”

The aim of the legislation is to address issues before they escalate, preventing neighbourhood feuds.

Paul Lucas, Attorney General: “Regrettably people have in the past been the subject of fist fights and worse as a result of neighbourhood disputes generating.”

The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, rather than the courts, will be responsible for dealing with any disputes that get out of hand.

There have been reports the tribunal will not have the capacity to cope with the expected influx of disputes. However, the government says it shouldn’t be a problem.

Under the laws, a person must first issue a 30 day notice.

If the tree-keeper doesn’t respond, the neighbour can call a tree lopper to chop the overhanging limbs.

Or, they could do it themselves and then recover costs of up to $300.

Candice Anderson QUT news.