Across the Hunter Region from Newcastle and Lake Macquarie to Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton, Port Stephens, and the Upper Hunter, thousands of older homes and rural properties still contain asbestos materials. One of the most common hidden hazards is the asbestos cement fence, widely installed between the 1950s and late 1980s.
While these fences often look perfectly solid, they can pose serious health and safety risks when ageing, weather-damaged, or disturbed. If you’re planning to repair, renovate, or remove an asbestos fence, it’s essential to understand the rules, risks, and proper removal process especially in NSW, where strict regulations apply.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about asbestos fence removal in the Hunter Region so you can make informed, safe decisions for your property.
Why Asbestos Fences Are Common in the Hunter Region
During the post-war building boom, asbestos cement (“fibro”) was one of the cheapest, strongest, and most fire-resistant building materials available. The Hunter, with its mix of agricultural land, mining towns, and growing residential suburbs, adopted asbestos fencing widely because it was:
- Affordable and easy to install
- Termite-proof and durable
- Ideal for weather protection
- Readily available through major suppliers of the era
As a result, many pre-1990 homes and farms in the region still have these fences in place often without homeowners realising they contain asbestos.
The Risks Associated With Asbestos Fencing
Not all asbestos poses the same level of risk. Asbestos used in fencing is bonded asbestos cement, meaning fibres are locked into a solid matrix. When undamaged and intact, it is generally low-risk.
However, asbestos fences become dangerous when:
- Broken or cracked by storms, falling branches, or impact
- Drilled, sawed, or cut
- Weathered from decades of sun and rain
- Crumbling at the base due to soil movement
- Disturbed during landscaping or renovations
When a bonded panel breaks, fibres can be released into the air and inhaled, posing long-term health risks including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
In the Hunter Region, where strong coastal winds and severe storms are common, older asbestos fences are particularly vulnerable.
Is It Legal to Remove an Asbestos Fence Yourself in NSW?
Technically, you can remove up to 10 m² of bonded asbestos yourself under NSW law but this is strongly discouraged, especially with fences.
Asbestos fence removal involves:
- Large, heavy panels
- Risk of accidental breakage
- Exposure to sharp fragments
- Requirements for correct PPE and respirators
- Safe material handling and transport
- Disposal at licensed asbestos facilities
Because fence panels are often 20–30 m² per side, homeowners almost always exceed the legal limit.
For safety, insurance, and compliance reason, NSW Fair Trading recommends hiring a licensed asbestos removalist for all asbestos fencing, and it is legally required once the area is greater than the 10 m² threshold.
How Licensed Asbestos Removal Works in the Hunter Region
Hiring a qualified, licensed asbestos removalist ensures your fence is removed safely, with minimal fibre release. Here’s the typical process:
1. Site Inspection & Testing
A professional inspects the fence to confirm whether asbestos is present (if uncertain). Testing may be done through a NATA-accredited lab.
2. Preparation of Safety Controls
This may include:
- Establishing exclusion zones
- Wearing certified PPE and respirators
- Using plastic sheeting or barriers
- Spraying the fence with water or adhesive to suppress fibres
3. Careful Removal of Panels
Panels are removed whole wherever possible to minimise breakage. They are carefully lifted, lowered, and wrapped in 200-micron plastic.
4. Secure Packaging & Transport
The material is double-bagged or wrapped, labeled, and transported in compliance with NSW EPA rules to a licensed disposal facility (such as those in Newcastle or Lake Macquarie).
5. Site Clean-Up & Clearance
All debris is removed, the area is vacuumed using a HEPA-filter device, and the site is inspected. Some jobs include an independent clearance certificate.
6. Replacement Fence Options
After removal, many homeowners choose:
- Colorbond fencing
- Modular retaining wall fencing
- Timber fencing
- Pool-compliant aluminium panels
- Rural steel fencing
Modern options are safer, longer-lasting, and significantly more attractive.
Costs of Asbestos Fence Removal in the Hunter Region
Prices vary based on access, length, height, condition, and location, but as a general guide:
- Typical asbestos fence removal: $70–$140 per metre
- Difficult access sites: May be higher
- Disposal fees: Usually included, but can vary
- Replacement fencing: Extra, depending on material
For an accurate quote, a site inspection is recommended.
Choosing an Asbestos Removalist in the Hunter Region
When comparing providers, look for:
- Class B asbestos removal licence (required for bonded asbestos)
- Experience specifically with asbestos fencing
- Current insurances (public liability & asbestos cover)
- A clear, detailed quote
- Positive local reviews
Asbestos removal is not a job to give to the cheapest bidder, only to the safest and most qualified.
Common Questions Homeowners Ask
- Can I pressure wash an asbestos fence?
No, pressure washing can release dangerous fibres.
- Can I repair cracked asbestos panels?
Repairs are temporary and often unsafe. Replacement is recommended.
- What if my neighbour shares the fence?
In NSW, neighbours usually split fence costs. When asbestos is involved, it’s best to discuss the safety concerns and share removal/replacement expenses.
- Does insurance cover asbestos fence damage?
Storm damage may be covered, depending on your policy. It’s worth contacting your insurer before organising removal.
Final Thoughts
If you live in the Hunter Region and your property has an asbestos fence, you’re far from alone but you’re also dealing with a potentially hazardous structure that requires careful management.
Whether your fence is cracked, ageing, or you simply want a modern, safe replacement, professional asbestos removal is the safest and most efficient option. With the right licensed team, you can ensure your property, your family, and your neighbours remain protected, while also adding value to your home with a high-quality new fence.