Asbestos (fibro) fences

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WorkSafe Queensland notes asbestos cement sheeting (fibro) was used in many Queensland buildings before 1990, including for fences (WorkSafe Queensland (opens in a new tab)). You can't tell by looking. Only a lab test of a sample confirms whether a particular fence contains asbestos. See Asbestos testing.

Is it dangerous?

The state's asbestos site says well-maintained asbestos cement products aren't a health risk unless they're physically disturbed (prohibited activities (opens in a new tab)). The risk goes up when sheets are broken, badly weathered or damaged by storms, cars or tree roots, or when someone cuts, drills or cleans them the wrong way.

Never water-blast it

It's illegal to use a high-pressure water cleaner on asbestos cement fences, roofs and walls. Homeowners can be fined up to $10,000 and must pay for the clean-up (state asbestos site (opens in a new tab)). WorkSafe has reported cases where water-blasting asbestos cement spread contaminated debris onto neighbouring yards, footpaths and cars (WorkSafe incident alert (opens in a new tab)). Don't drill, cut, sand or attach things to it either.

Your three options

1. Leave it. If it's sound and nobody needs to disturb it, leaving it alone is allowed.
2. Seal or paint it. The state site's suggestion is to apply a fungicide and sealant rather than cleaning the material. Ask a paint supplier about suitable products, and don't sand, scrape, use power tools on or water-blast the surface while preparing it.
3. Replace it. Replacing a fence means removing every panel. A run of fencing quickly goes past the 10 m² that a homeowner can remove without a certificate. Above that, you need a homeowner certificate or a licensed (Class A or B) removalist (state asbestos site (opens in a new tab); WorkSafe (opens in a new tab)).

If a storm has broken the fence, see Storm-damaged asbestos first.

Your neighbour and the cost

If the fence is on the boundary, it's a dividing fence, so Queensland's dividing fence law is relevant. In summary, from the Queensland Government's fence owner guide (opens in a new tab):

• Neighbours usually share equally the cost of fencing work for a "sufficient" dividing fence. If one wants more than a sufficient fence, they pay the extra.
• Before work, you give your neighbour a written notice to fence describing the work and the estimated cost, including their share. You need at least one quote, and the guide suggests supplying two as a courtesy. Your neighbour can get their own quote.
• A fence on the boundary is owned jointly.
• If you can't agree, mediation through a dispute resolution centre is the next step. The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) can decide fence disputes up to $25,000.

Whether your neighbour has to contribute to replacing an old fibro fence that's still standing is a question the guide doesn't answer directly. It depends on whether the existing fence is "sufficient" and on what you agree. Get proper advice if it's contested. For a quote, ask the removalist to show the asbestos removal and disposal separately from the new fence. That makes it easier for both of you to see what you're paying for.

Disposal

A licensed removalist takes the waste to a facility licensed to accept commercial asbestos. If you remove a small amount yourself, the council facility for domestic asbestos is the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility at Wellcamp, which has limits and fees (council (opens in a new tab)). See Asbestos in Toowoomba and Can I remove asbestos myself?.

Questions to ask a removalist

1. What's your licence class and number?
2. Will the fence be tested first, or treated as asbestos?
3. Does the quote cover removal, transport, disposal and any clearance, listed separately?
4. How will you protect my neighbour's yard during the work?
5. Can you or a fencer quote the new fence too, or do I arrange that separately?