Wallaby Fencing

Fencing is one of the most cost effective ways for reducing wallaby impacts on a property. However, wallaby-proof fences involve a change of thinking in fencing technique, mostly because wallabies and wombats are so good at going under them.

The first step in effectively controlling native species is to identify the species you are dealing with. Our Browsing Wildlife Species has useful information:

Browsing Wildlife Species (PDF 642Kb)

The next step is understanding when you have a problem, and making a plan to combat browsing losses:

Losing Too Much to Wallabies and Brushtail Possums? (PDF 620Kb)

Monitoring and Measuring Pasture Losses to Wildlife (PDF 831Kb)

Measuring Pasture Losses to Browsing Animals (PDF 411Kb)

Costing Control Options Worksheet - Fencing (PDF 36Kb)

Wallaby-proof fences involve a change of thinking in fencing technique, mostly because wallabies and wombats are so good at going under them.

Photos of farmer's experiences with wallaby fencing

The topics below demonstrate key principles of wallaby fencing showing photos of farmer's experiences:

fences that work well
weaknesses that can happen in wallaby proof fences

Echidnas and electric fences

Echidnas can get caught up in electric fences. This causes their death by electrocution.

When constructing an electric fence ensure the first electrified wire is at least 250mm above the ground surface. This will enable echidnas to move under the wire without getting it caught under their quills and delivering them a continuous electric shock.

Echidnas are most active in the landscape during the mating season of June to September so electric wires positioned within the height of echidnas could be disconnected from the electricity for this period.

In this topic

Recognise Losses to Wallabies
Losses from wallabies will erode your farm’s profitability
Choosing a Suitable Fence Location
Examples of farmers choosing and preparing routes for successful wallaby fencing, as well as some mistakes.
Choosing Appropriate Mesh
Purchasing the correct mesh and how to make it work for you.
Crossing Creeks and Ditches
Wallaby proofing sections of fence that cross creeks and ditches can be difficult. This needs careful consideration before fence building begins.
Wallaby Proof Farm Gates
Farm gates need to be well set up or leak wallabies.
Wallaby Damage Inside the Fence
Wallabies can cause damage to fences if they get caught inside the wallaby proof fence. This needs to be addressed early.
Additional Construction Tips
Pay attention to all the small construction details when building a wallaby proof fences.
Managing Wombat Damage to Wallaby Fences
Wombats digging under and creating holes under fences is one of the biggest threats to the success of wallaby fencing. Plan to manage the problem right from the start.