Fencers design, construct, and install boundary fences, feature fences, pool fences, retaining wall–fence combinations, gates, and security fencing for residential and commercial properties across Australia. The trade involves working with a range of materials including Colorbond steel, timber (hardwood and treated pine), aluminium, chain wire, glass, and composite panels. A skilled fencer understands local council height and setback regulations, dividing fence legislation (which varies by state), footing depth requirements for different soil types, and the structural engineering needed for retaining fences on sloping blocks. Homeowners most commonly engage a fencer for boundary fence replacement, pool compliance fencing, front feature fences, side gate installation, and security or privacy upgrades. Sloping sites, reactive soils, and shared boundary disputes add complexity.

Queensland Building and Construction Commission — Regulatory Overview

Queensland Building and Construction Commission is Queensland's principal regulator for the building and construction industry, responsible for licensing all fencers who perform regulated work in the state. The QBCC issues and renews licences, sets minimum requirements for licensees, investigates complaints, and takes disciplinary action against non-compliant operators.

As of February 2026, Queensland Building and Construction Commission oversees 55 licensed fencers across Queensland, covering 1 licence class. This represents one of the most comprehensive licensing regimes in Australia, designed to protect consumers and maintain industry standards.

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Performing unlicensed fencer work in Queensland carries significant fines. Homeowners who engage unlicensed fencers lose access to statutory consumer protections and may face voided insurance, failed inspections, and other consequences.

How to Verify a Fencer in Queensland

Verifying a fencer's licence in Queensland is straightforward and should be done before engaging any tradesperson for work. You can use TradieVerify's free search tool to instantly look up any Queenslandfencer by name, licence number, or business name. Alternatively, you can search directly through Queensland Building and Construction Commission at https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au.

When verifying, confirm: (1) the licence is current and active, (2) the licence class covers the type of work you need, (3) there are no conditions or restrictions on their licence, and (4) there is no disciplinary history. A legitimate fencer will have no hesitation providing their licence number for verification.

How to Hire a Fencer in Queensland

1
Ask whether they are familiar with your state's dividing fence legislation
Each Australian state has its own Dividing Fences Act governing cost-sharing, notice requirements, and dispute resolution between neighbours. A fencer experienced in your state should advise you on your obligations — such as issuing a fencing notice to your neighbour — before quoting, to avoid disputes after the fence is built.
2
Confirm post footing depth for your soil type
Standard post holes of 300 mm diameter and 600 mm depth suit stable sandy or loamy soils. Reactive clay soils that expand and contract seasonally require deeper footings (often 750 mm or more) to prevent posts heaving and fences leaning. Ask the fencer how they adjust footing depth for your site conditions.
3
Check they hold a QBCC or equivalent fencing licence
In Queensland, fencing work over $3,300 (inc. GST) requires a QBCC licence. NSW requires a licence for fencing work over $5,000. Verify the licence on the state register. Pool fencing is particularly important to get right — non-compliant pool fencing can result in fines exceeding $20,000.
4
Ask about pool fencing compliance if the fence borders a pool area
Pool fencing must comply with AS 1926.1 and your state's pool safety regulations. Requirements include specific heights, gap limits, self-closing and self-latching gates, and non-climbable zones. A fencer who installs pool-adjacent fencing must ensure every panel and gate meets compliance — a single non-conforming gap can fail inspection.
5
Confirm the warranty on materials and workmanship
Colorbond steel fencing carries a BlueScope warranty of up to 10 years for colour and 10 years for perforation (steel strength), but only when installed by an accredited fencer using genuine components. Timber fencing warranties vary by species and treatment. Ask what workmanship warranty the fencer provides on top of the material warranty.

Red Flags When Hiring a Fencer

Starts building without serving a fencing notice on the neighbour:Under dividing fence legislation in every state, you must serve formal notice on your neighbour before building or replacing a shared boundary fence. A fencer who starts work without confirming this step has been completed exposes you to legal disputes with your neighbour and potential orders to remove the fence.
Uses undersized or shallow post footings:Fence posts that are not set deep enough or concreted properly will lean or fall within a few years, especially in reactive clay soils or windy areas. If you see posts being dropped into shallow holes without concrete or with minimal gravel, the fence will not last. Standard post footings should be at least 600 mm deep in stable soil.
Pool fencing gaps or gate hardware that fails compliance:Pool fences must meet strict gap, height, and gate requirements under AS 1926.1. A fencer who installs pool fencing with gaps exceeding 100 mm, gates that do not self-close and self-latch, or climbable objects within the non-climbable zone is creating a drowning hazard. Non-compliant pool fencing can result in fines of $20,000 or more.

Typical Fencer Costs in Queensland

Hourly Rate

$55 – $95

Callout Fee

$60 – $100

Common Fencer Jobs & Estimated Costs

Job	Estimated Cost
Colorbond fence (per metre)	$75 – $130
Timber paling fence (per metre)	$60 – $100
Pool fence (glass, per metre)	$300 – $600
Gate installation	$300 – $800
Fence repair (per panel)	$100 – $250

Fencer Complaints & Disputes in Queensland

Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)

139 333 Website

How to Lodge a Complaint

1Write to the tradesperson detailing the issue and requesting rectification within a reasonable timeframe (usually 14 days)
2If unresolved, lodge a complaint online via the QBCC website or call 139 333
3QBCC will assess the complaint and may arrange an inspection
4If the complaint is substantiated, QBCC can issue a direction to rectify the work
5If the tradesperson fails to comply, QBCC may take disciplinary action or use its insurance fund to cover rectification

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Colorbond fencing cost in Australia?

Colorbond fencing typically costs $75–$120 per linear metre installed, depending on fence height (standard 1.8 m vs. 2.1 m), soil conditions, and access difficulty. Sloping sites require stepped or raked panels which add cost. A standard suburban boundary fence of 30–40 linear metres generally costs $2,500–$5,000. Premium colours like the Matt range cost more than standard Colorbond colours.

Does my neighbour have to pay half the cost of a dividing fence?

In most Australian states, neighbours share the cost of a "sufficient" dividing fence equally. However, you must follow your state's fencing notice procedure — typically a written notice specifying the proposed fence type, materials, and cost. If your neighbour wants a more expensive fence than what is "sufficient," they pay the difference. If they want a cheaper option, the cost of the sufficient fence is shared and you pay the upgrade.

How high can I build my fence without council approval?

Most councils allow boundary fences up to 1.8–2.0 metres without a permit. Front fences are often restricted to 1.0–1.2 metres, or lower near driveways for sightline safety. Some councils have additional rules about materials, transparency, and heritage overlays. Check with your local council before building, especially for front fences or fences above standard height.

How many licensed fencers are there in Queensland?

As of February 2026, there are 55 licensed fencers registered with Queensland Building and Construction Commission in Queensland. This includes all licence classes: Structural Landscaping Restricted To Fences.

How do I verify a fencer's licence in Queensland?

You can verify any Queensland fencer's licence using TradieVerify's free search tool or directly through Queensland Building and Construction Commission at https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au. Enter the fencer's name or licence number to confirm their registration status, licence class, and any disciplinary history.

Licensed Fencers in Queensland

Find Fencers by City

QueenslandFencer Statistics

Breakdown by Licence Class

Breakdown by Financial Category

Fencer Licensing in Queensland