Fence dispute is beyond the pale

Endeavour Hills resident Sarah Blaschak-Moore looks out over the fence she shares with the City of Casey. Six years have passed since negotiations began but the council is still yet to fix the fence. Picture: Meagan Rogers.

By Callan Date
GOOD fences are meant to make good neighbours – and if you listen to Endeavour Hills resident Sarah Blaschak-Moore, that proverb is spot on.
Six years of ongoing disputes with Casey Council about the replacement of Ms Blaschak-Moore’s brittle fence have left her frustrated and more than $10,000 out of pocket.
The John Fawkner Drive property backs on to City of Casey-owned Singleton Reserve.
The fence that divides the two sections of land is being held up by wire. Holes are plugged by temporary signs.
A decent gust of wind nearly blows the whole structure down, according to Ms Blaschak-Moore.
The 26-year-old and her partner bought the property six years ago, only to discover part of their house was built on crown land.
Ms Blaschak-Moore said a land swap was devised but since then, bureaucracy had gone into overdrive.
“It has been a constant line of broken promises. We are told that their (Casey’s) solicitors are always on holidays or not able to take our calls,” she said.
“We have had to pay for surveyors, solicitors and other costs related to the fence. We are just happy to pay our share and get it fixed but they won’t do that.”
Ms Blaschak-Moore said the ongoing drama had caused both financial and personal stress.
Frustrating Ms Blaschak-Moore even more is the inability to make improvements to her backyard or sell the property.
“It gets me angry that we are paying rates each year yet we are being treated like this. It seems like they want us to pay for everything,” she said. “They should be ashamed of what they are doing. We have done everything we can.”
Casey manager of property, rates and valuations Peter Gillieron said the fencing was part of a land exchange agreement with the owners.
“The plan of subdivision prepared by the owners had to be amended by them,” he said.
“I understand that this has been done and the agreement is close to finalisation. The fencing will be replaced as soon as the agreement has been signed.”