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Why fence?

Fences are important for a number of reasons. First, a fence indicates the boundary of a property. Boundary fences should be constructed, where possible, on the surveyed boundary line. Neighbours usually share the cost of boundary fences between properties. In most situations each property owner is responsible for the construction and maintenance of roadside fences.

Farmers have a legal responsibility to contain their livestock. Animals should be prevented from wandering onto roadways and into neighbouring properties. The design and construction of boundary fences must be suitable for the types of livestock kept on the property. Landholders may also construct fences to keep animals out of part or all of their property. Fences are sometimes used to restrict feral and unwanted animals from entering a property or certain paddocks.

Within the property, fences play an important role in management by allowing farmers to subdivide. Subdivision helps farmers to improve the productivity of their livestock enterprises by:

separating livestock into groups according to type, breed, class, sex, age or weight
maximising the use of available feed and water by rotational grazing
managing livestock movement with laneways
controlling the mating of livestock
limiting the spread of disease by separating infected animals.

Fences protect crops and gardens from being eaten and trampled by livestock. Access to buildings, machinery and equipment is also restricted by fences.

There is an increasing use of strategic fencing for land management practices. Paddock division according to topography and soil type can improve productivity. Areas of land which have been degraded by erosion or salination can be fenced off for rehabilitation. Riparian fencing that restricts livestock access to waterways is important for water quality. Native revegetation and weed control can be improved with strategic fencing.

Fences have many uses on properties, however they are expensive and time-consuming to construct. Before a fencing program is started, it is essential to develop a property plan that takes all the factors into account. Fences should be designed and positioned to maximise their usefulness whilst minimising the cost.

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