Usually we can't choose our neighbours but it's in our best interests of course, to get along. Sometime issues arise however, so we've gathered together transactions and links that you may find helpful.
Pets
Dealing with barking dogs
Dogs bark for many reasons including boredom, separation anxiety and fear. If your neighbour's dog is bothering you, the first step is to talk with the neighbour. They may be unaware of the problem.
Register your dog or cat
The NSW Pet Registry allows you to update your contact details, report your pet missing, change the ownership of pets, and pay the lifetime registration fee.
Pets in strata
An owner's corporation cannot stop you from owning a pet in a strata-titled property, but there may be rules you need to know about, and what to do if there's a problem.
Pollution
Report or inquire about noise pollution
Noise pollution can come from many sources including industry, transport, construction, sporting and entertainment venues, and neighbours. If you want to report or inquire about noise pollution, contact the organisation responsible for its regulation.
Report an abandoned or dumped vehicle
It's an offence to abandon a vehicle, and the local council has powers to impound or destroy the vehicle if the registered operator cannot be found or doesn't comply with the instructions of the impounding officer.
Report a smoky vehicle
You must observe a vehicle emitting smoke for more than 10 seconds continuously to make a report.
Report littering from a vehicle
If you see someone littering from their vehicle, you can report them to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
Report smoking at an outdoor smoke-free zone
The bans on smoking and using e-cigarettes in outdoor public areas have been made to reduce other people's exposure to second-hand smoke, and create a more supportive environment for those who have quit.
Report smoking in an indoor smoke-free zone
Smoking and using e-cigarettes are banned in all enclosed public areas including shopping centres, cinemas, libraries, trains and buses.
Disputes
Disputes with neighbours
Having a bad relationship or dispute with a neighbour can make life very stressful. No one wants to feel uncomfortable or unsafe in their own home.
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
Alternative dispute resolution offers processes other than having a decision made by a judge or magistrate in court.
Lodge a residential tenancy complaint with NSW Fair Trading
NSW Fair Trading provides a free complaint service for tenants, residents, landlords and agents with real estate and property related matters or disputes.
Lodge a retirement village complaint with NSW Fair Trading
NSW Fair Trading offers free and informal onsite negotiation with a neutral and qualified mediator to help parties reach a beneficial settlement.
Apply online for strata or community scheme mediation
Mediation is an informal and inexpensive way to resolve disputes among owners, tenants and owner's corporations in strata-titled property or community schemes.
Backyards
Removing trees on your property
The rules regarding tree removal differ from council to council, but tree preservation orders and local environment plans guide many of the decisions made.
Check the 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement area
The 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme provides an additional way for NSW residents who live near bushland, to better prepare their homes for potential bushfires. The NSW Rural Fire Service provides an online tool so you can check whether you live in a 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement area.
Register a swimming pool
All swimming pools in NSW must be registered on the NSW Swimming Pool Register.
Neighbourhood watch
1800RESPECT counselling service
1800RESPECT provides 24 hour telephone and online counselling and support for people impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, and abuse.
Report intentional damage or graffiti
The NSW Police Force Community Portal provides the facility to not only create a Police report online, but to track your report and receive electronic status updates.
Graffiti Hotline
Help clean up your local community by reporting graffiti and fast track its removal.
Report a scam or cybercrime
If you've been scammed, think someone is trying to scam you, or have been the victim of a cybercrime, you can make a report online.
Report illegal fishing
Stealing fish and black marketing, as well as damage to fish habitats are serious problems and can impact on the sustainability of our fish stocks across NSW.
Report a parking sign
If you see a parking sign that's damaged or confusing, or is missing or unnecessary, you can let us know online.
Lodge feedback about speed limits and speed signs in NSW
The Centre for Road Safety uses feedback submitted by the public, along with crash data and other road safety engineering information, to prioritise the roads that need a speed zone review.
Report a traffic incident
Reporting incidents that affect traffic flow help you and your fellow road users get moving again, sooner.
Report to Crime Stoppers
Crime Stoppers enables the community to report information about crime and criminal activity.
NSW Police Force Community Portal
The NSW Police Force Community Portal gives the community an additional reporting channel when no emergency exists and immediate investigation by a Police officer is not necessary.
Neighbourhood Watch NSW
The Neighbourhood Watch program is one of a range of crime prevention and community safety strategies currently in use within NSW.