Fencing in Donnybrook

Donnybrook is at an early stage of suburban growth, so most fencing here is the first fence on a new lot, set against a backdrop of farmland, creeks and old stone walls. Enquiries from Donnybrook are passed to an independent fencing business that inspects, quotes and completes the job on its own terms; the about page covers the process.

Where Donnybrook sits

Donnybrook shares postcode 3064 with Craigieburn but lies further north, about 30 km from the Melbourne CBD and north of Wollert. The City of Whittlesea lists Donnybrook with Wollert among the suburbs of its rural north on its suburbs and residents page. The suburb is bounded by Merri Creek to the west and Darebin Creek to the east, and it has its own railway station. It recorded about 2,100 residents at the 2021 census, and several new housing estates are under development, including Olivine, Peppercorn Hill, Katalia, Heartford and Acclaim.

What fencing work looks like here

• First boundary fences. As homes in each new stage are handed over, side and rear boundaries need fencing, usually in Colorbond steel to match the street.
• Wing fences and gates. Closing off side paths for pets, bins and security; see side gates and wing fences.
• Pools and spas. New backyard pools need a permit, a compliant barrier and council registration.
• Rural fencing on remaining farm land. Properties outside the estates still have post and wire or timber boundary fences.

Estate covenants come first

Before agreeing on a fence with your neighbours, read your title and the estate design guidelines that came with your land contract. A covenant may set fence height, colour or setback, and the City of Whittlesea notes that a covenant can override its corner fence limits. Give the fencer a copy so the quote reflects what the estate allows.

Old stone walls on former farm land

Donnybrook’s new estates sit beside farm land, and the City of Whittlesea records many kilometres of historic dry stone walls across the municipality, some of the earliest property boundaries in the area. Council’s heritage planning page says the walls are protected by the planning scheme, and a permit is needed to remove stones or alter a wall in any way, including on private property. If a stone wall runs along or near your lot, check with council before a new fence is set out.

Building next to active construction

In a new stage, your neighbours’ homes may still be under construction when you want your fence built. Agree with each neighbour on timing, and check that builders’ site fencing, skip bins and stockpiles will be clear of the boundary on the work day. If a boundary peg has been knocked out during construction, have the line re-marked by a licensed surveyor rather than guessing from the nearest slab.

The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria’s fencing information explains how costs for a sufficient dividing fence are normally shared equally, and how to use a Fencing Notice if a neighbour does not respond to an informal approach.

Services under new boundaries

Stormwater pipes and other services can run close to side and rear boundaries on a new lot. A careful fencer checks plans through a Before You Dig Australia enquiry and looks at your plan of subdivision for easements before drilling post holes. Building over an easement can need consent from the service authority that holds it, which the City of Whittlesea says must be obtained before a building permit is applied for.

Getting a Donnybrook fence quoted

1. Find your plan of subdivision and the boundary pegs.
2. Read the covenant and estate guidelines.
3. Agree on material, height and colour with each neighbour.
4. Note any stone wall, reserve or easement along the boundary.
5. Measure each run and photograph the boundary.

The Wollert fencing cost guide compares published prices for each fence type, and the neighbouring Wollert page describes similar new estate work just to the south. When you are ready, send your Donnybrook fence details with your estate name and the lengths involved.

Send a job enquiry