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| WARNING: It is illegal to access and travel along the State Barrier Fence without written consent from DPIRD. Random access checks can be undertaken and surveillance cameras may be in place to record unauthorised vehicles. Unauthorised access could result in a $10,000 fine. |
History
The original fences (numbers 1, 2 and 3) were constructed between 1902 and 1907, and were known as the Rabbit Proof Fences, intended to prevent rabbits from moving into the State from the east.
As the significance of the fence to block rabbits decreased, it later became evident that it played a major role in minimising the impact of major periodic migrations of emus. The fence was then to be known as the State Vermin Barrier Fence, the Emu Fence and now the State Barrier Fence.
The History of the state vermin barrier fences, formerly known as rabbit proof fences (1969) provides an overview of the early history of the fence.
Today, the fence plays an important role in restricting the movement of wild dogs into the south-west of Western Australia. Wild dogs present a significant threat to livestock enterprises. The fence also provides protection in the event of large migration of emus from the rangelands into the south-west agricultural areas, which can affect grain crops.
State Barrier Fence and wild dogs
Wild dogs have become a significant threat to livestock enterprises in agricultural areas since the 1980s, with wool in decline and fewer staff in pastoral areas carrying out control.
The State Barrier Fence is playing an important role in supporting the efforts of landholders, who are ultimately responsible for controlling wild dogs on their own properties. The State Government, through the DPIRD, is also supporting landholders through initiatives under the Wild Dog Action Plan.
Regular surveys of landholders along the State Barrier Fence have shown that the investment in upgrading the fence is having a positive impact on wild dog management.
Upgrades to the fence
Since 2010 the State Barrier Fence has been upgraded to wild dog standard. The fence is inspected regularly, and routine repair and replacements are undertaken to ensure the fence remains an effective barrier.
To report any maintenance issues please contact sbf@dpird.wa.gov.au.
Esperance extension
The project to construct a 660 km extension of the State Barrier Fence in the Goldfields-Esperance region was approved by the Minister for Environment on 15 April 2019. The project has commenced and over 180 km has been completed. Please see the progress map and project overview for further information.
The $6.9 million State Government investment is part of a broad range of measures to support the Western Australian livestock industry to combat wild dogs. Contributions to the project have also been made by the Federal government and the Shires of Esperance and Ravensthorpe.
Closing the Yilgarn gap
In 2014, construction was undertaken to complete the 165 km section of the State Barrier Fence which runs through the Shire of Yilgarn, east of Southern Cross.
A gap known as the Yilgarn gap existed due to the original Emu Fence being realigned 60 km further to the east of Southern Cross than originally planned, up the Emu Fence Road.
The Yilgarn gap existed for approximately 50 years before it was closed in 2014.
About $3.5 million of Royalties for Regions funding was allocated towards closing this 50-year-old gap.
Construction over 5 months involved the installation of 24,600 steel posts, more than 600 strainer assemblies, 165 km of plain wire, fabricated fence installed to a height of 1.4 metres, and the installation of lapwire to prevent wild dog incursions.
Ongoing maintenance
Ongoing maintenance is needed to keep the fence functioning as an effective barrier against wild dogs and other animal pests.
DPIRD is responsible for maintenance, which includes minor repairs, replacing fence wires and posts, small fence constructions, re-hanging gates and clearing the fence track.
DPIRD has engaged Aboriginal businesses to undertake this work to provide job opportunities and build capacity for Aboriginal people. The entire State Barrier Fence is inspected on a regular basis.
To report any maintenance issues please contact sbf@dpird.wa.gov.au.
Access to State Barrier Fence Reserve
Access and travel along the State Barrier Fence reserve without written consent of the department is an offence under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Regulations 2013 and offenders can face up to a $10,000 fine if prosecuted.
The reserve is considered a hazardous work site and unauthorised travel along the reserve is a safety risk to DPIRD staff, contractors and authorised personnel. Unauthorised travel also presents a significant environmental and animal welfare risk.
Members of the public may drive on roads that transect the reserve. There is clear signage to advise where access is prohibited, and surveillance cameras may be in place to record unauthorised vehicle access.
Apply for access
Applications will be assessed by the department on a case-by-case basis. Letters of consent are generally restricted to individuals or organisation with a specific and legitimate business need.
Group 1: Primary purpose access route for those with direct vested interest
- DPIRD staff
- Recognised Biosecurity Groups
- licensed pest management technicians
- DPIRD maintenance contractors
Group 2: Individuals who may require access for specific or special purposes
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and WA Herbarium staff
- WA Police and Department of Fire and Emergency Services
- Department of Mines and Petroleum (mining companies), and Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage
- WA Museum, university researchers
- local government, Main Roads WA, Water Corporation, Western Power, telecommunications companies
- local Indigenous groups
- apiarists, sandalwood cutters.
Anyone seeking to access the reserve for a specific purpose should submit the following details to sbf@dpird.wa.gov.au:
- applicant full name, address and contact number(s)
- applicant business name, address and contact number(s)
- proposed location or section of fence for the planned travel
- statement on why access to the reserve is required
- date(s) access required
- vehicle registration.
Approved applicants will receive written consent by a DPIRD approving officer within 5 business days of providing all required information.
For more information please contact sbf@dpird.wa.gov.au