Rural and farm fencing contractor

Farmers, graziers, lifestyle block owners, councils and landcare groups.

Price per metre or per kilometre of fence, plus materials, or a day rate for repairs after floods, fires or storms. Busy seasons can run back to back.

• Heavy physical work outdoors
• Operating a post driver or auger safely
• Reading land and planning fence lines
• Travelling and working independently

• Check with your state or territory fair trading or building regulator whether a licence or registration is needed for fencing work, as rules vary and may depend on the type and value of the job
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation once you hire
• Machinery and tensioned wire are hazardous, so consider safety training and a first aid certificate
• Seasonal and weather-driven income, so plan for slower months
• Check access, livestock and biosecurity requirements with landowners before starting
• Contact Before You Dig Australia before driving posts to check for underground services

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on your vehicle, machinery such as a post driver or auger, and tools. Public liability insurance is also worth budgeting for.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on job size, distance and season. Income is seasonal and weather-driven, so plan for slower months. Expect at least about 35 hours a week.

Check with your state or territory fair trading or building regulator whether a licence or registration is needed, as rules vary. Also check public liability insurance, safety training, access and biosecurity requirements with landowners, and Before You Dig Australia.