Built around the strainers
A wire fence is only as good as its strainer assemblies. Corners, ends and gates take the full wire tension, so strainer posts are set deep, often in concrete, with stays or box assemblies. On rocky ridges, the holes may need to be drilled into rock.
Choosing the wire
- ✓Hinged joint or ringlock mesh for sheep, goats and calves
- ✓Plain and barbed strands for cattle
- ✓Heavy-gauge galvanised wire for coastal salt air
- ✓Steel star pickets or timber line posts
- ✓An offset electric wire if stock push on the fence
Typical cost
As a guide, standard 5-strand plain/barbed wire or hinged-joint stock fencing typically ranges from $28 to $55 per linear metre, depending on terrain, rock drilling requirements and strainer count. The contractor will give you a firm price after walking the line.
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 much does stock fencing cost per metre in the Shoalhaven?+
As a guide, standard 5-strand plain/barbed wire or hinged-joint stock fencing typically ranges from $28 to $55 per linear metre, depending on terrain, rock drilling requirements and strainer count. The contractor will give you a firm price after walking the line.
Who pays for a boundary fence between two farms?+
In NSW, the Dividing Fences Act 1991 generally has neighbours share equally the cost of a “sufficient” dividing fence. On rural land, councils give a wire fence on steel star posts as an example. If you can’t agree informally, you can serve a written fencing notice describing the boundary line, the fence type and the estimated cost. Your neighbour has one month to respond, after which either of you can apply to the Local Court or NCAT for a fencing order. Anything above the “sufficient” standard is usually paid by the owner who wants it. See NSW Legal Aid or the Local Court for the details.
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.