INTRODUCTION What's New ! ausbrush ProtaCoat TM |
|||||
For the heritage and as a community resource, this site contains detailed information and numerous images on the design, construction and repair of traditional Australian hand-packed brush fencing, as well as comparative information on modern machine-packed modular panel fencing systems. Although hand cutting and hand packing are still widespread in the year 2006, the industry is swiftly moving toward a modern derivative, utilising machine harvesting of plantation brush, machine manufacture of brush panels and modular installation systems. The machine packed panel is not only easier to install and more cost effective, but it is also more durable than hand packed fencing. Modular systems now allow the fence to be erected by unskilled labour and anywhere in the world. For details, availability and ordering of ausbrush machine-made modular brush fencing systems which are now used throughout Australia and exported to the USA and NZ, see our sister company and web-site www.ausbrush.com
WHAT IS BRUSH?
ORIGINS & ADVANCES Originating in Adelaide, South Australia in the 1800's, hand packed brush fencing has grown to form a significant part of the Australian fencing market. Over the past fifty years brush fencing construction methods have evolved from simple timber post and rail design to all steel framing and brush hand packing modes have also changed. The remnant traditional hand-packed brush fencing operators, surviving in parts of Australia today, find brush packing to be just as labour intensive as it was when it was first introduced. Hand packing requires skilled and hard working tradesman to get the best results. In the late 1970's, machine-packed brush panels were first made in Australia by Neville Turner of Solomit, finding a ready acceptance in the Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth markets. In 1997 they were introduced to Auckland, New Zealand and in 1999 Hague Showell of Ausbrush introduced the first panels to the USA. In the past, many of the machine-made panels were poor in quality and did not do well in the Adelaide market where good quality hand packing was available, but with advances in panel quality and erection systems, that has all changed. Where brush raw material or skilled packers are not readily available, as in Western Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, regional areas and of course overseas, machine-made panels are the only practical option for brush fencing. The new machine packed-modular systems are a significant advance, both in efficiency and labour saving in erection and also in the integrity and life of the fence. STANDARDS The standards of workmanship, techniques and prices vary considerably within each Australian State and between States. Each State has its own industry style: In Vic, NSW and Qld, timber bases and machine packed panels fixed to a frame-behind are most popular, while in WA, concrete bases and limestone bases with machine made panels fitted between posts are mostly used. In Adelaide concrete bases and hand packing were almost universally used until recently. That has changed, with many installations in Adelaide now using the Western Australian methods (2200mm wide machine packed panels fitted in-line to a steel frame with concrete base) and it is 'a given' that most brush fencing in Adelaide too, will be machine packed panels within a few years. WA is currently one of the largest and fastest growing markets for brush fencing. The most recent design innovation by Ausbrush Panels is a pre-framed, fully-finished brush module incorporating legs and which can be fitted to level or sloping sites. Installation is simply a matter of digging holes, stand the fully pre-finished panel, concrete the holes and all is done. These designs are the subject of current registered design and patent applications. In the Adelaide metropolitan area juvenile arson and fire damage has become an irritating problem in recent years, having had some impact on public acceptance of the product and spawning the introduction of alternative masonry panel systems. The section on fire retardant systems addresses these issues which are quite peculiar to Adelaide. INDUSTRY GROUPING & COMMUNICATION & THE FUTURE In the 1998 there were about 80 brush contractors comprising both hand packers and machine panel erectors, located around the southern half of mainland Australia and this number has not changed markedly. At that time there was no formal industry grouping and the only communication line until about the year 2000 was the "Brush Industry Newsletter". The Newsletter, which was funded, produced and distributed by Adelaide Brush, addressed topics of industry interest, with limited contribution to articles coming from the mail list comprising brush cutters, growers, investors, panel manufacturers and other interested persons as well as fencing contractors. Eventually, due to lack of participation and a pathetic level of interest by industry members, the Brush Contractors Cooperative Group and Newsletter was wound up. Since that time, Adelaide Brush/Ausbrush Panels together with Bowman Brush, have productively worked together, to change the face of the brush fencing industry. The aim of this team has been to provide a holistic approach involving machine harvesting of plantation brush, machine manufacture, modular installation systems and worldwide markets. Ausbrush Panels together with Bowman Brush have been the driving force for this industry sea change and the change is well and truly here now. Last updated 12/7/06
© Copyright, Adelaide Brush, 2008; Fairview Park, South Australia 5126; Tel +61 8 82513309, Fax. +61 8 82893155, Mobile 0418841889. |
