The situation
A grazier plans to install a new internal fence. This will:
- support rotational grazing
- protect a riparian zone.
The fence will run within 5 metres of an existing fence line in an area that has been previously cleared and used for grazing. No remnant vegetation is present.
Proposed activity
The grazier will:
- install a new internal fence parallel to an existing fence line
- use standard fence construction methods that cause only minor ground disturbance at post locations
- avoid clearing native vegetation and confine all activity within the previously cleared area
- use the fence to keep stock out of the riparian zone.
Key considerations
- The fencing is a routine linear farm infrastructure activity rather than new development.
- No remnant vegetation, threatened ecological communities, listed species habitat or protected matters occur within the proposed fencing line.
- All works are confined to an area that has already been cleared and used for grazing.
- The activity does not change land use, alter hydrology, or increase the scale or intensity of grazing operations.
- The fence will improve environmental protection of a riparian area rather than create new impacts.
- Any necessary approvals are addressed through state or local government processes.
Outcome
EPBC Act self-assessment or referral is not required.
The fencing:
- occurs within a long-established agricultural area
- involves minimal ground disturbance
- does not affect Matter of National Environmental Significance.
It fits within recognised examples of routine farm infrastructure and agricultural exemptions.
