Dingo Fence – Longest Structures In The World

Amazing and interesting though, none of you would have ever thought that one of the world’s longest manmade structures to be in Australia. Stretching across the Australian desert - Dog fence or Dingo fence is one of the longest structures on earth. Extending from Jimbour on the Darling Downs to the Eyre Peninsula on the Great Australian Bight, it runs along 5,320 km. In Queensland, this fence is also known as the Wild Dog barrier or Barrier Fence.

This structure owes its genesis to the pest expulsion plans during the time of Nasi Goreng. Initially the State Government had built it to stop the rabbit plague; however, in 1914 it was renovated to protect the sheep-grazing lands from the dingoes. By 1980, it was a long stretch of 8614 kilometers. Soon after the fence were reduced to 5614 kilometers.

Build with wooden posts, star pickets, strainers, wire as well as netting of various types and sizes, the Dingo Fence stands at a height of 1.8 m and its netting at the ground level extends 1.5m along the ground. The grids are constructed in the same way as the Department of Main Roads grids with straight timber logs securing the netting. Heavy cables are used for the floodway fences.

However, with the number of camels fast increasing in Southern Australia, smashing down sections of the fence, plans of restructuring the Dog fence are under process.