Mr QUICK —One of the greatest assets anyone can have is a good neighbour. Harmonious relationships with the people we live near make for a peaceful and fulfilling lifestyle whilst conflict with neighbours can ruin our enjoyment of home and family life. I am concerned that the number of disputes between neighbours being brought to my attention is rapidly increasing. The conflicts vary widely from minor disturbances to outright intimidation and standover tactics, including threats to life and property. Everyone has the right to live in a safe and peaceful environment and there are laws to protect that right.

Unfortunately, we are not always able to choose our neighbours and with all the will in the world conflict can occur. It is in everyone's interest to manage disagreements properly and not leave disputes until the situation has become desperate. One of the most important concepts in conflict resolution is the need to tackle the problem, not the people, in a calm atmosphere. No-one wins if anger takes over. If we cannot resolve the issue, we should seek the help of a mediator. It is ironic that in this electronic age, when we can communicate almost instantly with people anywhere in the world, we are losing the ability to effectively communicate face to face with our neighbours.