U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Urges Legislature to Support Gov. Wolf’s Restore Pennsylvania Infrastructure Plan
Press Release, Restore Pennsylvania Harrisburg, PA – U.S. Senator Bob Casey wrote a letter to the Pennsylvania General Assembly urging members to support Gov. Wolf’s aggressive infrastructure plan, Restore Pennsylvania.“This plan would make historic investments in high-speed internet access, storm preparedness and resiliency, transit and blight demolition and redevelopment,” said Sen. Casey. “It represents an opportunity for both parties to come together and make a historic investment in the economy of the Commonwealth, and in doing so, in the future of our children, our families, our middle class and the state of Pennsylvania.”Restore Pennsylvania is a statewide plan to aggressively address the commonwealth’s vital infrastructure needs by injecting $4.5 billion over the next four years in significant, high-impact projects selected by local officials who are best situated to determine need.“I thank Sen. Casey for recognizing the critical need to invest in infrastructure if we want to make Pennsylvania a leader in the 21st century economy,” said Gov. Wolf. “Each day we continue to debate this issue, our competitors are working on infrastructure projects that move them ahead and make them more attractive to businesses. It’s time that we unite to make our commonwealth a better place to live, work and do business.”Funded through a commonsense severance tax that the Independent Fiscal Office has determined will be primarily paid for by out-of-state residents, Restore Pennsylvania is the only plan that will help make Pennsylvania a leader in the 21st century.View the full Restore Pennsylvania plan here. April 16, 2019 SHARE Email Facebook Twitter
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Urges Legislature to Support Gov. Wolf’s Restore Pennsylvania Infrastructure Plan
SHARE Email Facebook Twitter Las empresas de Pennsylvania se beneficiarán con la exención de los pagos anticipados del impuesto sobre las ventas April 14, 2020
Economy, Español, Press Release Como parte de la iniciativa para ayudar a las empresas afectadas por la pandemia de COVID-19, el Gobernador Tom Wolf anunció hoy que las empresas que recauden el impuesto sobre las ventas de Pennsylvania no tendrán que hacer pagos anticipados del impuesto sobre las ventas acelerado (AST) durante los próximos tres meses. Eso significa que a las empresas que normalmente se les exige el prepago mensual no se les cobrarán multas por no cumplir con el plazo de pago anticipado durante este período de tres meses.“La propagación de la COVID-19 ha generado una gran tensión en muchas empresas en todo el estado que recaudan el impuesto sobre las ventas de Pennsylvania”, dijo el Gobernador Wolf. “Eximir a las empresas de este requisito de pago anticipado les brindará apoyo en un momento en que están haciendo su parte para ayudarnos a prevenir la propagación del virus”.En circunstancias normales, ciertos contribuyentes a nivel empresarial tienen la obligación de realizar pagos anticipados mensuales al Estado del impuesto sobre las ventas si su obligación tributaria real es superior a $25,000 durante el tercer trimestre del año anterior. El Departamento de Ingresos está eximiendo a las empresas del requisito del pago anticipado en abril, mayo y junio de 2020 para ayudar a los propietarios de empresas con el flujo de efectivo durante la pandemia de COVID-19.“Continuaremos trabajando con el Gobernador Wolf y los miembros de su administración para examinar otras medidas que podamos tomar para ayudar a la comunidad empresarial”, dijo el Secretario de Ingresos Dan Hassell. “Es necesario que hagamos todo lo posible para ayudar a las empresas durante esta crisis de salud sin precedentes”.A causa de este nuevo escenario, el departamento está pidiendo a las empresas que simplemente remitan el impuesto a las ventas que recaudaron durante el mes anterior. Las fechas de vencimiento para remitir el impuesto a las ventas serán el 20 de abril, el 20 de mayo y el 22 de junio, que obedecen a las fechas de vencimiento estándar para los contribuyentes mensuales que no tienen los requisitos de pago anticipado.Visite la página del Departamento de Ingresos sobre Pago anticipado acelerado de impuestos sobre las ventas para más información sobre los pagos anticipados.Se recomienda a todas las empresas a remitir el pago en línea utilizando e-TIDES, el sistema de impuestos en Internet del departamento para las empresas. Encuentre el REV-819 en el sitio de Internet del departamento para obtener un calendario de las fechas de vencimiento de presentaciones y pago anticipado.Servicio y asistencia al contribuyenteAdemás de la exención de los pagos anticipados del impuesto sobre las ventas acelerado, el Departamento de Ingresos también ha realizado lo siguiente:Extendió la fecha límite para presentar las declaraciones estatales de impuestos sobre ingresos personales por 90 días. La nueva fecha límite del 15 de julio de 2020 es la misma que la nueva fecha límite federal.Extendió el plazo para presentar las declaraciones informativas relacionadas con corporaciones, asociaciones, propiedades y fideicomisos del Estado de Pennsylvania hasta el 15 de julio de 2020.Extendió la fecha de límite para las corporaciones que tienen declaraciones de impuestos que vencen desde mayo al 14 de agosto de 2020.Dado que los centros de llamadas del departamento permanecen cerrados para ayudar a prevenir la propagación de la COVID-19, a los contribuyentes que buscan asistencia se les recomienda usar el Centro de servicio al cliente en línea del departamento, disponible en revenue-pa.custhelp.com. Puede usar este recurso para enviar electrónicamente una pregunta a un representante del departamento. El representante del departamento podrá responder mediante un proceso electrónico seguro que es similar a recibir un correo electrónico. Asimismo, el Centro de servicio al cliente en línea incluye miles de respuestas a preguntas comunes relacionadas con los impuestos.Encuentre alertas del Departamento de Ingresos en InternetSe alienta a los contribuyentes y a los contribuyentes profesionales a visitar la Página de información sobre la COVID-19 el Departamento de Ingresos en www.revenue.pa.gov para obtener orientación adicional y actualizaciones sobre las disposiciones del departamento. También puede visitar las páginas del departamento en Facebook, Twitter y LinkedIn para obtener actualizaciones en tiempo real.Consulte la Guía de respuesta a la COVID-19 del estado para obtener las guías y los recursos más recientes para los residentes de Pennsylvania o la página de Internet dedicada al coronavirus del Departamento de Salud de Pennsylvania para obtener la información más actualizada sobre la COVID-19.Ver esta página en inglés.
La Administración Wolf lanza una Guía de recursos de salud mental SHARE Email Facebook Twitter Español, Press Release, Public Health Al comprender que la salud mental es tan importante como la salud física, la Administración Wolf lanzó hoy una Guía de recursos de salud mental en línea destinada a ofrecer a los residentes de Pennsylvania un complemento completo de recursos disponibles para ayudar a todos con sus necesidades de salud mental.“Especialmente con los factores estresantes de la pandemia, es imperativo que también recordemos que está bien no estar bien, y nuestra salud mental debe ser considerada tanto como nuestra salud física”, dijo el Gobernador Tom Wolf. “Esta guía en línea se presenta para brindarles a los residentes de Pennsylvania una visión completa de los recursos de salud mental disponibles para satisfacer sus necesidades individuales. No existe una talla única para la salud mental”.Entremezclados con mensajes de esperanza y aliento como “Sea fácil consigo mismo” y “Las personas se preocupan por usted”, hay secciones que incluyen cómo acceder al tratamiento; prevenir el suicidio; eventos actuales y salud mental; desafíos únicos para las comunidades de minorías y LGBTQ, niños y adolescentes, miembros del servicio y veteranos; qué hacer si no tiene seguro; afrontar el trauma, la violencia doméstica y sexual; y afrontar el trastorno por consumo de sustancias.Una sección proporciona “Encuentre la ayuda adecuada para usted”, donde los visitantes de la guía pueden acceder a recursos de salud mental para situaciones desde “Me siento estresado” hasta “Tengo un ser querido con trastorno por uso de sustancias”.“Esta guía tiene como objetivo ayudar a las personas a encontrar la ayuda adecuada para ellos”, dijo el Gobernador Wolf. “Espero que todos los residentes de Pennsylvania lo revisen y lo utilicen para saber que queremos brindar los recursos, el apoyo y la comprensión para ayudar a todos a vivir una vida feliz y saludable aquí en el Estado.View this information in English.
August 19, 2020
Cyan at Kings Beach takes advantage of ocean views and plenty of light.EXPANSIVE views of the beach and Glasshouse Mountains are set to be a winning combination for this new $20 million project at Kings Beach.Cyan, by Mosaic Property Group, is to be the first of five projects to be launched on the Sunshine Coast by the Brisbane property development giant.The eight level boutique apartment development will deliver 31 premium apartments topped with two luxurious penthouses.Cyan at Kings BeachEach penthouse will boast its own mezzanine level and private roof terrace, with uninterrupted views over Kings Beach and the ocean beyond.Wherever you live, add a touch of coastal chic to your home for a bright and breezy look. Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayNext playlist itemMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 1:24Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -1:24 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality Levels720p720pHD540p540p360p360p270p270pAutoA, selectedAudio Trackdefault, selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xFullscreenClose Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.A city made of sand!01:24 Related videos 01:24A city made of sand!01:48Best beach house bargains01:44Summer Dream Home: Burleigh Heads02:49Future Homes: Prefabricated01:16Andrew Winter: The value of a view03:181 room 3 ways – Beachy KeenMore from newsMould, age, not enough to stop 17 bidders fighting for this home2 hours agoBuyers ‘crazy’ not to take govt freebies, says 28-yr-old investor8 hours agoMosaic Managing Director Brook Monahan said the company was excited and confident in its decision to extend its reach to the Sunshine Coast.He said Mosaic’s initial two year pipeline of Sunshine Coast projects would inject an additional 185 dwellings, 425 fulltime jobs and $162 million into the local economy.“After years of consideration and research into the local economy and its major growth as a popular regional city, we now look forward to delivering our high quality boutique residential buildings to this ever expanding location,” he said.Cyan at Kings BeachCyan’s two and three bedroom apartments will start from $480,000, with all designed to take advantage of the stunning and sprawling views.Each apartment offers light filled spacious interiors and large private balconies to embrace the beachside position.Other features include high ceilings, flexible open plan living spaces and gourmet kitchens with premium fixtures and fittings, island benches, stone bench tops and air conditioning in every room.The development’s location, at 21 Canberra Tce, is just metres from popular Kings Beach and the shops, restaurants and cafes of Caloundra’s CBD.Mosaic’s expansion to the Sunshine Coasts follows a buoyant 2016 financial year during which the company doubled its Brisbane workbook to more than $120 million.
Andrew Winter will be hosting retirement masterclasses DEVELOPER Lendlease is set to provide Retirement Living Masterclasses to prospective retirees during a series of events at retirement villages from Brisbane to Mackay this month.The masterclasses feature a panel of guests, including Andrew Winter from Selling Houses Australia, and are designed to help retirees understand the retirement process and to answer all questions about what retirement living means for them. The events will inform and empower retirees with the knowledge they need to make important and impending life decisions.More from newsDigital inspection tool proves a property boon for REA website3 Apr 2020The Camira homestead where kids roamed free28 May 2019 They will discover how to downsize and declutter, learn what it means to retire to a Lendlease village, and be given information about where to go for the appropriate financial advice.They will also begin to understand and compare offers and learn about the personal experience of residents.Retirement Living regional manager Queensland Mark said the decision to move into a retirement village from your own home could be daunting, but exciting.“This series of events aims at answering the questions that so many people have about the retirement living process and are filled with information that people need to know before making a retirement decision,” he said.A masterclass will be held at The Terraces Retirement Village, Forest Lake, on March 6 from 2pm.Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 1800 550 550 or via discoveryseries.com.au
Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayNext playlist itemMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 1:24Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -1:24 Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedQuality Levels720p720pHD540p540p360p360p270p270pAutoA, selectedAudio Trackdefault, selectedFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.PlayMuteCurrent Time 0:00/Duration 0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time -0:00 Playback Rate1xFullscreenHot Cross Buns QLD01:24Whether you like your hot cross buns traditional, crammed with chocolate chips, or something a little different, one thing is for sure, the warm Easter treat is always a good idea. Take a look at our list of all the best hot cross buns around Queensland, that you need to try before the Easter bunny arrives.1. Jocelyn’s ProvisionsThe cafe is located in Fortitude Valley. Picture: Jocelyn’s Provisions/FacebookThis pretty little cafe in Fortitude Valley loves Easter baking. “Our bakers have been testing, mixing and baking to ensure our hot cross buns are as delicious as ever”, their Facebook page says.Their traditional-style buns are made with plump fruit, candied peel and are brushed with a sweet sticky glaze.Their customers describe the buns as dense, warm and fresh.The cafe sells great hot cross buns and an array of Easter treats. Picture: Jocelyn’s Provisions/FacebookThe cafe also sells baked Easter egg-shaped treats, cakes and extravagant Easter eggs filled with chocolate mendiants (a traditional French confection).2. Chester St BakeryThe bakery does traditional hot cross buns, along with other outstanding Easter treats. Picture: Chester Street BakeryKnown for their elaborately sweet and colourful deserts and incredible cakes, Chester St Bakery also does traditional hot cross buns. Unlike a traditional bakery, this store in Newstead is one of Brisbane’s best late night dessert bars – so if you’re feeling like the Easter treat later at night, this may be the place to try.3. Flour & ChocolateThe bakery is located in Morningside. Picture: Flour & ChocolateThis bakery is a favourite in Brisbane for its unique pastries and breads.Their hot cross buns are baked with 100% organic flour and according to the Visit Brisbane website, “are filled with raisins, sultanas, cranberries, apricots, figs, glace cherries, glace peel and topped with a traditional iced cross.”The bakery often announces its specials via Facebook, so keep an eye out for any unique flavours they may bake in the lead up to Easter. More from newsMould, age, not enough to stop 17 bidders fighting for this homeless than 1 hour agoBuyers ‘crazy’ not to take govt freebies, says 28-yr-old investor6 hours ago4. Couverture & CoThis is a great Easter hot-cross bun alternative for sweet-tooths. Picture: Couverture and Co/FacebookIf you’re torn between buying a hot cross bun or Easter chocolate, Couvertue & Co in Red Hill makes the perfect hybrid of the two. Their ‘hot cross truffle’ is made from milk or dark chocolate, filled with a chocolate ganache plus all the best bits of a hot cross bun – raisins, cinnamon and spices.5. BrewbakersBrewbakers’ buns are some of the best. Picture: Brewbakers/FacebookBrewbakers is an artisan bakery in Alibon, Brisbane.Baking fresh goods every day from hot croissants, sourdough and rolls for lunch, this bakery has got a reputation for being worthy to drive across town for.They’re also baking hot cross buns all holiday season, which customers say are some of the best you’ll ever taste.
More from news01:21Buyer demand explodes in Townsville’s 2019 flood-affected suburbs12 Sep 202001:21‘Giant surge’ in new home sales lifts Townsville property market10 Sep 2020Electrcity and emergency services begin to repair damage.“At the time of the cyclone we had five properties under contract — three in Bowen and two in Collinsville,” Ms Moss said.“Luckily, all five properties are OK so hopefully they will go ahead as they were meant to settle that day but it’s been all drawn out.“We find that many buyers are very nervous, stressed and hesitant to buy, but at the same time there are southern investors who realise that now is a good time to buy.“Since the cyclone, we’ve had numerous calls from buyers in Brisbane and Toowoomba looking to buy up and making multiple offers on properties.” BOWEN’S property market could take years to recover with over 50 per cent of homes damaged, including current listings and rental properties. Properties damaged during the cyclone have been pulled off the market to allow owners to file insurance claims while those that survived last week’s force of nature have been turned into temporary crisis accommodation.Century 21 principal Kylie Moss said staff were working around the clock to assist vendors and tenants hit hard by the recent crisis. A car was crushed under a carport at the Bowen Neighbourhood Centre during Cyclone Debbie.“It’s been really difficult to get any of these properties fixed as assessors are only dealing with major claims. Those are the properties that left people without a home or where roofs lifted off the homes,” she said.“The damage for most of our properties varies between $2000 and $3000 to around $4 million, which are the homes that got totally wiped out.”But it’s not all bad news, with five properties expected to settle this month and agents fielding a constant stream of phone calls from southern investors looking to snatch up bargain properties. 
Houses throughout Bowen were stripped of their roofs by Cyclone DebbieMs Moss, who like many others lost her home to Cyclone Debbie, said she and her staff had to overcome much adversity over the past week.“For five days following the cyclone, we had no power, no water, no aircon and switchboard and the only way to communicate with clients was by mobile phone, which had to be recharged in our own cars,” she said.“That was until the phone network went down, which left us in the lurch for a while.“29 George St in Collinsville was one of our worst-hit rentals and tenants had to be relocated as the entire house collapsed.“Now, a week later, we still can’t see a silver lining. We’re desperate for rentals as we had to relocate many of our tenants as a result of the crisis.”
The home at 19 Juba St, Riverhills.Ian and Noelene Holm’s children have left the “nest” and the couple say now is the time to move on from their Riverhills home.The Holms have lived at 19 Juba St for 12 years and said the property was suited to a couple with children.Mr Holm said they moved to the Centenary district because of the reputation of private high schools in the area.“We were moving from acreage in the Lockyer Valley and looking for a house with an open aspect,” Mr Holm said.The four-bedroom, two-bathroom home is on an 856sq m block of land looking on to parklands at the rear. The kitchen at 19 Juba St, Riverhills.The lowset home has a fully fenced yard and an above ground swimming pool.Mr Holm said his favourite part of the home was definitely the outdoor area.More from newsDigital inspection tool proves a property boon for REA website3 Apr 2020The Camira homestead where kids roamed free28 May 2019“The back patio overlooks the pool and the park,” he said.“It’s a gorgeous spot even in winter.”The Holms have completely renovated their property. The swimming pool at 19 Juba St, Riverhills.“It was built in 1990 and we have completely changed the entire interior and outside,” Mr Holm said. “The most recent renovation was the fence.”Other features within the home include a modern kitchen with quality appliances and storage, a family room leading out to a large covered outdoor entertainment area. The property also has a separate laundry and a garden shed. 
One of the four bedrooms at 19 Juba St, Riverhills.Centenary Real Estate selling agent Leela Mendis said the home was ideal if buyers were looking for peace and serenity.Ms Mendis said the property was close to local shops, a child care centre, Middle Park Primary School and public transport.The property is being sold with a $615,000 price tag.
Dawn at Vantage Gold CoastThey’ve dipped their toe in the water at Vantage and decided they love it but would like a larger apartment now that they have been made available in Dawn,” Mr Litfin said.“The other early buyers in Dawn are those who missed out on the three previous releases and have keenly awaited this next stage of Vantage.”Many of the apartments in the 15-level Dawn will capture spectacular views east across the neighbouring Royal Pines Resort to the Gold Coast skyline beyond. Other apartments in the development have views over the Vantage parkland setting, the Royal Pines golf course and the hinterland. Vantage Gold CoastMore from newsMould, age, not enough to stop 17 bidders fighting for this home3 hours agoBuyers ‘crazy’ not to take govt freebies, says 28-yr-old investor3 hours agoDeveloper Rayjon brought forward the release following the sellout of the initial three buildings — Dusk, Eve and Scape — and the 100 per cent settlement of sales in Dusk and Eve.Dawn’s two-bedroom apartments will range in size from 119sq m to 145sq m asking $495,000 for 130sq m, while the three-bedroom residences will span between 183sq m and 221sq m, asking $945,000 for 183sq m.Each apartment will have large format tiled flooring in the living area, European appliances, ducted air conditioning and two car parking spaces, with three-bedroom apartments being offered with timber flooring.Dawn residents will also have exclusive access to a residents’ lounge on Level Two, and many will have their own storage area in the basement.Mr Litfin said the dominant buyer profile was downsizing owner-occupiers from across the Gold Coast. The next stage of Vantage Gold Coast, Dawn, has just launched to the market offering even more spacious apartments as part of its $200 million masterplanned community.THE first three releases were a sellout, so it’s no surprise that the fourth building in this $200 million masterplanned community is already being snapped up, and by existing residents. Vantage Gold Coast, a masterplanned parkland community at Benowa is offering 113 two and three-bedroom apartments in the east-facing Dawn building, with six already gone to early bird buyers.Knight Frank Queensland head of project marketing Chris Litfin said several existing Vantage residents had decided to purchase in Dawn to secure the larger apartment format.
Vantage Gold Coast“They are attracted to Vantage’s spacious and thoughtfully designed apartments, the superb array of leisure facilities already in place and the convenient, central location at Benowa,” he said.Mr Litfin said Vantage’s ongoing sales success reflected recent Urbis research revealing the rise of coastal fringe suburbs such as Benowa as apartment hot spots on the Gold Coast.“These are areas that offer luxury apartment living within easy reach of the beach but at a more affordable price point,” he said.“We’ve experienced even more market traction since the completion of the neighbouring shopping centre, which includes a Coles supermarket, restaurants, cafes, specialty shops and services.”Vantage is set amid a two-hectare oasis featuring a swimming pool, gym, barbecue decks, resident lounge and intimate breakout areas.When complete, more than 70 per cent of Vantage’s Ross Street site will be dedicated to open space.
Allison Bryant (left) and Lyn Rocha from Wishart are good neighbours and great friends. Photo: Mark Cranitch.OUR reputation as a neighbourly nation is under threat according to a recent study by realestate.com.au. Of the more than 1000 survey respondents, 37 per cent said they had no interest in getting to know their neighbours.Even a wave over the fence was in peril with 15 per cent saying they avoided chatting to their neighbours, while one in 10 admitted to having spied on the people next door. Not all discussions are neighbourly. The survey showed one in five of us have had a dispute with our neighbours. Photo: Matt ThompsonRealestate.com.au executive general manager, Andrew Rechtman, said the findings showed our ‘Ramsay Street’ reputation was, for the most part, more fact than fiction.“The results are somewhat surprising when you consider Australians are known for their relaxed and friendly nature, but it seems that doesn’t always extend to our neighbours,” Mr Rechtman said.Mr Rechtman said friendly neighbours were a ‘must have’ for many house hunters.“Good neighbours can make or break a street,” Mr Rechtman said.But we need to work on building closer ties given the study showed one in five of us have had a dispute with a neighbour, Mr Rechtman said.“We know that more connected neighbours can lead to safer communities, as residents are more inclined to look out for one another,” he said.For 53-year-old Lyn Rocha of Wishart, the results don’t ring true.More from newsMould, age, not enough to stop 17 bidders fighting for this home2 hours agoBuyers ‘crazy’ not to take govt freebies, says 28-yr-old investor2 hours ago“I think it’s a bit sad really,” Mrs Rocha said.She and neighbour, Allison Bryant, are the best of friends.Mrs Rocha said Mrs Bryant was always on hand for assistance — even helping care for her daughter with special needs.“I’ve been able to ask her to just pop over and just sit with my daughter if I’ve had to run out and same with her. She’s got four young boys and I’ve always kind of just run over and helped her out,” Mrs Rocha said.Mrs Rocha said the companionship from nice next-door relations was always appreciated.“We just have a chit chat about what’s going on around the place just over the back fence.”She said it was disappointing more people hadn’t got to know their neighbours.“People just seem to think they’re too busy to chat,” Mrs Rocha said.“Having people around that you know makes you feel safer in your little area. We feel safe here because we know our neighbours. I can feel free to give them a call,” she said.Mrs Rocha said it was everyone’s responsibility to make an effort.“When somebody moves in its just nice to just pop round, say hello and introduce yourself.“It’s nice to have people to call on and to be there for other people if they need you,” she said.Follow Kieran Clair on Twitter at @kieranclair or Facebook on Kieran Clair — journo