Matching the fence to the animal
- ✓Dogs: tight mesh, enough height, and an apron so they can’t dig out
- ✓Kangaroos and deer: extra height on strong posts
- ✓Wombats: a buried or folded apron, or a wombat gate so they don’t tear through the mesh
- ✓Orchards and vegetable gardens: fine mesh to the ground
Living with wildlife
Native animals are protected in NSW. Good exclusion fencing guides wildlife around your garden rather than trapping it. Avoid barbed top strands where gliders, bats and birds can get caught, and ask your fencer about wildlife-friendly designs.
Approvals
Many standard rural and boundary fences can be built as exempt development in NSW if they meet the set conditions, but fences in heritage, flood-prone or bushfire-prone areas, fences near waterways or on a road reserve, and any clearing of native vegetation may need approval. Check with Shoalhaven City Council before work starts.
Shoalhaven conditions to plan for
Coastal salt air shortens the life of light wire and fittings, sandstone and shale ridges can mean rock drilling for posts, and high-rainfall gullies soften the ground around strainers. Many properties also border bushland. Tell your fencer about all of these when you request a quote. More on rural fencing in the Shoalhaven.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high does a kangaroo or deer fence need to be?+
It depends on the animals and the pressure on the fence. Tall mesh fences are commonly used. Your fencer can recommend a height for your site.
Will a wombat dig under my fence?+
Often, yes. A buried or folded apron, or a purpose-built wombat gate, helps stop wombats damaging the mesh.
How Shoalhaven Fence Co works
Shoalhaven Fence Co is a local lead-matching service connecting Shoalhaven property owners with independent local rural fencing contractors. When you call or send a request, we pass your details to a local fencing contractor who contacts you to inspect the line and quote. The contractor you’re matched with is responsible for the work, its pricing and any warranties.