Got an old fibro fence? Don’t break it, pull it down or throw it out with ordinary rubbish.
Many older boundary fences across Cairns were built from asbestos cement sheeting, often flat or corrugated “fibro” panels. These fences were popular for decades, and plenty are still standing today. Left intact and in good condition, they generally pose a low risk. They become a concern when sheets are weathered, cracked, leaning, broken by storms or fallen branches, or when you’re planning to replace the fence.
Asbestos cement fences usually have a grey, flat or corrugated appearance, often with a fine dimpled texture on one side, and are commonly set straight into the ground. Many have been painted over the years, which makes them harder to recognise. Appearance alone can’t confirm asbestos — the only way to know for sure is testing by a NATA-accredited laboratory.
In most cases, yes. A typical 1.8 metre high boundary fence only needs to be about 6 metres long to pass 10 square metres of sheeting, and Queensland law requires bonded asbestos over 10 square metres to be removed by a licensed removalist. Queensland homeowners who want to remove more than 10 square metres themselves must hold an approved asbestos removal certificate. Even for smaller sections, a licensed professional is the safest choice.
Most asbestos fences sit on a shared boundary, so your neighbour is usually involved. In Queensland, dividing fences are covered by the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011. Neighbours generally share the cost of a sufficient dividing fence, and if you want your neighbour to contribute you should give them a formal Notice to Contribute for Fencing Work before work starts. How asbestos removal costs are shared can depend on the circumstances, so talk early and agree in writing. If you can’t agree, Queensland’s Dispute Resolution Centres offer free mediation, and unresolved disputes can go to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
Why you shouldn’t remove an asbestos fence yourself. Breaking sheets apart, snapping them off at ground level or smashing them into a skip can release fibres and contaminate your yard and your neighbour’s. Please don’t pull at loose sheets, pressure-clean or sand the fence, dig near its base with power tools, or sweep up broken pieces — Queensland laws prohibit these tools and methods on asbestos because they release fibres.
Asbestos fence sheets are often buried 300 millimetres or more into the soil, and older fences may have left broken fragments in garden beds and lawn along the boundary. A thorough removal should cover the below-ground sections and any visible fragments in the surrounding soil. Check whether this is included in your quote.
Cairns regularly sees cyclones, wet-season storms and flooding, and fallen branches are a common cause of broken fibro fences. If your fence has been damaged, keep people and pets away, don’t hose, sweep or mow over debris, and contact your insurer. A licensed professional can make the site safe and remove the damaged sections properly.
Coordinate your new fence at the same time so your yard isn’t left open for long, particularly with pets or a pool. If the boundary fence forms part of a pool barrier, Queensland pool safety laws require pool barriers to stay compliant at all times, so temporary pool fencing may be needed during the works. Check with Cairns Regional Council if you’re unsure whether your new fence needs approval.
Send us the approximate fence length and height, whether it’s shared, its condition, any access issues, and photos taken safely from a distance.