My neighbour won't pay half the fence. What can I do in Queensland?

Answers (1)

1. LE

   LokalMatch EditorialLokalMatch editorial

   Answered 24 September 2026

   Give them a Notice to Contribute, with a quote attached. Under the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011 each neighbour is liable for half the cost of fencing work, and the notice is how you turn that into an obligation rather than a conversation.

   The notice has to set out the proposal for the fence, an estimate of the cost, the contribution you are asking for and the method of construction, and at least one written quotation has to go with it.

   Half applies to a sufficient dividing fence. Queensland defines that as one between 0.5 and 1.8 metres high built from prescribed materials — timber, chain wire, metal panels, bricks, concrete blocks, or vegetation. Want something grander than sufficient and the extra is yours to pay.

   The clock then matters. If you have not agreed within one month of giving the notice, either of you can apply to QCAT, and that application must be made within two months of the notice. QCAT hears dividing fence disputes valued up to 25,000 dollars, with no limit where the fence forms part of a pool barrier.

Answers come from pros and are reviewed by LokalMatch before they’re published. They’re general information — for regulated or safety-critical work, have a licensed professional assess your situation.

Sources

Where the facts on this page come from.

1. 1

   Your responsibility as a fence owner — Queensland Government (accessed 24 September 2026)

2. 2

   Dividing fence disputes — Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (accessed 24 September 2026)