Brimbank neighbours are among the most quarrelsome in the state, according to new figures from the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria.
Data released last week shows a 2.4 per cent increase in calls for help with neighbourhood disputes last financial year.
The centre received 755 calls from Brimbank residents, the third-highest number in the state. They included 278 for concerns over general behaviour, up by 16 incidents from 2011-12; 271 for fence disputes, a rise of 12; and 106 relating to trees and shrubs.
Disputes over animals rose from five to 10.
Brimbank also recorded the second-highest number of referrals – 115 –for further advice or mediation; down from 117.
The centre’s director, Gina Ralston, said almost 20,000 Victorians sought help last year. “This shows that more people are seeking help at an early stage which will, hopefully, prevent smaller disputes from escalating to more complex ones,” she said.
Brimbank’s governance and community development director, Helen Morrissey, urged residents involved in a neighbourhood dispute to seek advice. “Brimbank City Council follows a complaints procedure when issues relate to breaches of the local law, and it works collaboratively with the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria on other issues,” she said.
“This proactive approach results in council being able to work through a volume of issues and encourages residents to approach council for assistance.”
