Barakula State Forest Tower project by Evans Fencing Toowoomba in Chinchilla, QLD.

Evans Fencing Toowoomba gave Australian Fencing Awards some key information on their Barakula State Forest Tower project.

Challenges involved in the project

• There were multiple challenges in the construction of this fence.
• No. 1 Was the sheer remoteness and no phone signal that if someone was injured during construction that we would have to ferry that person out. We required a remote access safe work method statement with a detailed plan in case of an emergency.
• No. 2 The vast number of dirt tracks (unsigned) tracks going through the forest that getting lost was a problem and that was before we started.
• No. 3 There was also a risk of getting plant/equipment stolen from hunters traveling through. Luckily we never lost anything.
• No. 4 One of the challenges we faced during construction was the hard sandstone we had to drill through, fortunately our bobcat S770 combined with a digga PD5 and dedicated rock auger was able to bore down to 1000mm deep.

Products used on the project

• We were able to source high quality F17 Iron bark and spotted gum from one of our local suppliers (Westside Timbers). Thanks to Graeme and Adrian for their knowledge and effort.
• We also tried a new timber screw by Hobson the Tykote T40. The raked steel panels were all custom built (each panel had a unique length and grade) in our shop then powder coated, thanks to Dale and the team at PBS Coating.

Outcome of the project

• Upon completion we had a site inspection by the client who flagged a couple of small defects, these were rectified quickly and everyone was pleased with the end result.

This project by Evans Fencing Toowoomba is a finalist in the Australian FENCING Awards 2021.