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Financial support to residents for construction of dividing fences

4 May 2017 – Media Release
4 May 2017 - Archive

4 May 2017 – Media Release

Cumberland Council has put on public exhibition a new Dividing Fences Policy. The policy allows residents experiencing financial hardship and living next to Council land to receive financial assistance of up to $1,000 to repair, replace or construct a boundary fence.

Under the Local Government Act and the Dividing Fences Act 1991 Council is not required to make a financial contribution towards fencing that separates public land from private property.

However, under the new policy, where a boundary fence is deemed necessary and a resident is unable to maintain or erect a fence, Council will make a financial contribution.

“Cumberland Council is committed to not only meeting its legislative requirements but exceeding them,” Cumberland Council Administrator Viv May said.

“Cumberland Council regularly receives requests from residents doing it tough who cannot afford to erect or maintain a fence next to public land.

“It is our responsibility to help those residents, even if we are not legally obliged to. The benefit of this is not only to the property owners but the community at large.

“The new policy will replace the former policies of the Auburn and Holroyd Council’s and bring a consistent and fair approach across the entire LGA.

“Council’s financial contribution will be to a maximum of $1,000, which is basically half the cost of an ordinary 1.5m timber paling or corrugated steel fence.

“This new policy doesn’t effect Council’s existing policy concerning fences bordering operational land.”

The draft Dividing Fences Policy will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days for public review and comment.