Reginald James Wood — Licensed Fencer (Queensland)
Licence Details
| Licence Number | 731597 |
|---|---|
| Licence Class | Structural Landscaping Restricted To Fences |
| Status | Active |
| Financial Category | Self Certification - Trade |
| Source | QBCC |
This data is sourced from public government registers and may not reflect real-time changes. Always confirm licence details with Queensland Building and Construction Commission directly. Full disclaimer.
What a Fencer Licence Means in Queensland
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.
Hiring a licensed fencer means you are protected by the state's regulatory framework. Licensed tradespersons must comply with industry standards, maintain appropriate insurance, and can be held accountable through the licensing body's complaint and disciplinary processes.
The Self Certification - Trade financial category assigned to this licence determines the maximum value of work the licensee can have under contract at any one time. This category is set by Queensland Building and Construction Commission based on the licensee's assessed financial capacity.
Hiring a Licensed Fencer in QLD
Before hiring any fencer in Queensland, use this five-point checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 to Watch For
- 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 |
| Colorbond fence (per metre) | $75 – $130 |
| Timber paling fence (per metre) | $60 – $100 |
| Pool fence (glass, per metre) | $300 – $600 |
Your Rights — Complaints & Disputes in Queensland
Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
How to Lodge a Complaint
- 1 Write to the tradesperson detailing the issue and requesting rectification within a reasonable timeframe (usually 14 days)
- 2 If unresolved, lodge a complaint online via the QBCC website or call 139 333
- 3 QBCC will assess the complaint and may arrange an inspection