About neighbourhood mediation
You have the right to live in a peaceful neighbourhood. While disputes and disagreements can happen between neighbours, they should be resolved quickly and respectfully.
However, if talking or other attempts to communicate with your neighbour haven’t worked, mediation might help.
What is neighbourhood mediation?
Neighbourhood mediation is a structured meeting with your neighbour that is guided by one or two independent mediators. The mediators are impartial, meaning they don’t take sides.
If you’re having a disagreement over a tree, dividing fence, noise or pets, our Dispute Resolution Centres offer free mediation services to help you manage your dispute without going to court.
How mediation can help
Mediators guide the conversation to help you and your neighbour discuss your differences, voice any concerns, and find solutions that work for both of you.
Taking part in mediation can save you time, legal fees, and court costs.
The solution is one that you and your neighbour agree on. It is not imposed on you by anyone else.
Mediation is also privileged. This means that nothing you say can be used in court.
What a mediator does
Mediators are impartial and do not take sides or offer advice. However, they do set some basic rules and expectations to ensure the mediation process is respectful, fair, and balanced.
Mediators:
- guide you and your neighbour through discussions about your concerns and issues to find solutions that may be acceptable to both of you
- are impartial (remain neutral)
- create an environment where you can both be heard equally
- ensure discussions don’t get out of control
- break the problem down into manageable issues
- make sure that all relevant issues are covered
- help you and your neighbour discuss options to resolve the dispute
- help you write down the details of any agreement you reach.
What a mediator doesn't do
Mediation is not a legal process and mediators do not:
- give legal advice
- take sides
- decide who is right or wrong
- make a decision for you
- suggest what should happen after the mediation
- force you to reach an agreement.
How to make the most of mediation
- Approach your mediation session with an open mind, even if you and your neighbour have been in conflict for some time.
- Come to mediation with a range of options to consider.
- Participate as fully and cooperatively as possible.
- Be open and honest with your neighbour.
- Follow the ground rules set down for the mediation.
- Tell the mediators if you need a break at any time throughout the session.
Arranging mediation
You can apply for mediation online or by contacting one of our Dispute Resolution Centres.
Alternatively, a community organisation, private solicitor, magistrate, Legal Aid Queensland or a counsellor may refer you.
When you contact a Dispute Resolution Centre, staff will take some details about the dispute, and ask for your neighbour's contact details.
If the matter is suitable for mediation, our staff will:
- contact the other party
- explain the mediation process
- invite them to participate.
Mediation cannot go ahead unless both neighbours are willing to participate. If your neighbour refuses, we will let you know, however we cannot disclose any reasons why.
Your mediation session will usually take place within 2–4 weeks and may take up to 3–4 hours, depending on the issues involved.
More information
- Read a step-by-step guide for resolving tree and fence disputes with neighbours
- Learn how neighbourhood mediation works
- Prepare for neighbourhood mediation