Fence Panel

Abstract

Abstract Disclosed is a polymer-based fence panel for attachment to a fence. The polymer-based fence panel is preconfigured to facilitate its attachment to the fence. The polymer-based fence panel may 'assist' the fence in providing an effective boundary, containment and / or exclusion for livestock, feral and wild animals, vermin, etc. The polymer-based fence panel may act as a 'no-climb' barrier, a 'no-burrow' barrier, or a 'no-passage' barrier. Abstract 2021261901 18 Nov 2021 Fi g. 1 Fi g. 1 A 10 15 F1 16 P P 20 G 22 LW 18 22 24 24 22 22 20 17 19 20 21 26 19 01 0 3 N ov 2 02 12021261901 03 Nov 2021 10 16 P Fig. 1 18 P 17 2 CLIMB WARATAH LW F1 19 15 24 NO BURRON 600 mm G 24 22 20 20 22 22 Fig. 1A 22

Description

FENCE PANEL TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to a polymer-based fence panel and a fence constructed from the same. The polymer-based panel can find application in boundary, exclusion and containment fencing, and can be used at one or more different locations of a fence. BACKGROUND ART Fences are used in in agriculture to provide an effective boundary, containment and / or exclusion for livestock, feral and wild animals, vermin, etc. For example, prefabricated fences can be employed that provide a more effective barrier than a conventional post and wire strand fence, and they can also simplify fence construction. Prefabricated fencing material is known that comprises spaced ‘line’ wires (which may be horizontal in use) and spaced ‘picket’ or ‘stay’ wires (which may in use be vertical). In such fencing material, typically at each junction of a line with a picket, it is known to tie the picket to the line with a wire knot, to provide for a unitary fence construction. Prefabricated fencing material is also known that does not employ lines, pickets and wire knots therebetween but instead comprises a number of wires which may be interwoven or intertwined to form a mesh-type fencing material having e.g. diamond-shaped, hexagonal, rectangular, etc. apertures throughout the fence. Again, the fencing material can have a unitary construction. Fences that are used for exclusion or containment of feral and wild animals, vermin, etc. can be provided with an apron or footer which may be connected to extend from a lower part of a main part of the fence. The apron / footer may extend into the ground vertically or at an angle, or it may extend to lie on / over the ground adjacent to the fence. The apron / footer can, for example, help to prevent the passage of feral and wild animals, such as by burrowing under the fence. It is to be understood that a reference herein to the prior art does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY Disclosed herein, in a first aspect, is a polymer-based fence panel for attachment to a fence. The fence can be an existing fence or it can be a new-build or newly- built fence (e.g. the fence can be constructed at the same time as attachment thereto of the polymer-based fence panel). In accordance with the disclosure, the polymer-based fence panel is preconfigured to facilitate its attachment to the fence. The polymer-based fence panel can ‘assist’ the fence in providing an effective boundary, containment and / or exclusion for livestock, feral and wild animals, vermin, etc. The polymer-based fence panel can, for example, be particularly suited for assisting with the containment of horses (e.g. when located on the fence, the fence panel can provide a ‘visual barrier’ to a horse). Depending on where the polymer-based fence panel is located at the fence, the panel can act as a ‘no-climb’ barrier, a ‘no-burrow’ barrier, or a ‘no-passage’ barrier. As set forth below, one panel may act to provide one or more than one of these barriers and more than one of these functions. The polymer-based fence panel as disclosed herein is particularly suited for enhancing the containment and / or exclusion functions of an (e.g. wire) fence. The polymer-based fence panel can be fabricated with a suitable width to enhance its containment and / or exclusion functions at a fence. For example, the polymer-based fence panel may be attached to extend along one or more of an upper part of the fence (e.g. to provide a ‘no-climb’ barrier); a lower below-ground part of the fence (e.g. to provide a ‘no-burrow’ barrier); a lower above-ground part of the fence (e.g. to provide a ‘no-passage’ barrier). However, it should be understood that the polymer-based fence panel may be attached to extend along a part of the fence that is intermediate these locations (e.g. along a fence part that lies somewhere between upper part and lower above- ground parts of the fence and / or along a fence part that lies somewhere between the lower above-ground and lower below-ground part parts of the fence). It should also be understood that the polymer-based fence panel, when attached to extend along e.g. an upper or intermediate part of the fence, can provide a visual (‘no-passage’) barrier to e.g. livestock such as horses, etc. References herein to ‘no-climb’, ‘no-passage’ and ‘no-burrow’ fence panels are for convenience only and are not intended to limit the function of the fence panel. The polymer-based fence panel located at each of the no-climb and no-burrow barrier locations may be wider (e.g. up to 600 mm) than the polymer-based fence panel at the no-passage barrier location (e.g. less than ~ 500 mm). As set forth below, the polymer-based fence panel to be located at each of the no-climb, no- burrow and no-passage barrier locations may be in the form of an elongate strip, which may be unwound from a roll. A respective polymer-based fence panel may be employed for each of the no- climb, no-burrow and no-passage barrier locations or, as mentioned above, one panel may act to provide a barrier at more than one of these locations. Further, depending on the application, different combinations of fence panels may be employed at the fence. For example, the fence may comprise: a polymer-based fence panel for just one of the: no-climb, no-burrow, or no-passage barrier locations; respective polymer-based fence panels for two of the three: no-climb, no- burrow, and no-passage barrier locations; polymer-based fence panel(s) for all three of the no-climb, no-burrow, and no-passage barrier locations; a polymer-based fence panel that is sized to cover two of the three: no- climb, no-burrow, and no-passage barrier locations, for example: a. a polymer-based fence panel is wide enough to provide a no- burrow plus a no-passage barrier; b. a polymer-based fence panel that is wide enough to provide a no- climb plus a no-passage barrier; c. a polymer-based fence panel that is wide enough to provide a no- passage plus a no-burrow barrier; d. optionally, each of a. to ¢. may employ an additional polymer- based fence panel at the ‘missing’ location (i.e. in the case or a. this would be a no-climb barrier; in the case of b. this would be a no- burrow barrier). polymer-based fence panel(s) for locations that are intermediate two of the three no-climb, no-burrow, and no-passage barrier locations. In some applications of the polymer-based fence panel, the fence can be of the type that comprises one or more wires (e.g. a known type of post and line wire fence). In other applications of the polymer-based fence panel, the fence can be a wire mesh-type fence (e.g. either in the form of a prefabricated fencing material that has lines, pickets / stays and wire knots, or a woven mesh-type fence). In each such application, the polymer-based fence panel may be preconfigured to facilitate its attachment to one or more wires of the fence. In some embodiments, the preconfiguring of the polymer-based fence panel may take the form of a number of apertures that are provided along at least one side of the fence panel. For example, each aperture may extend through the fence panel so that one or more retainers (e.g. clips, ties, straps, anchors, fasteners, etc.) is able to extend therethrough (e.g. to clip, tie, etc. the fence panel to the wires, etc. of the fence). Each aperture may be a simple hole that is formed or punched through the fence panel. Alternatively, each aperture may be an eyelet or ring-type hole (e.g. surrounded by a metal eyelet or ring for reinforcement). Each aperture may be formed during the manufacture of the polymer-based fence panel (e.g. it may be moulded thereinto), or it may be subsequently formed (e.g. punched, drilled, etc.) in a post-manufacturing stage / step. Depending on the application, the one or more retainers may be employed to securely attach the polymer-based fence panel to the fence (e.g. to be restrained in all three planes - horizontally along the plane of the fence, vertically up / down the fence and also laterally away from the plane of the fence. In other applications, a retainer may be employed that allows for some movement of the fence panel with respect to the fence (e.g. the retainer limits movement to laterally off and vertically up / down but not horizontally, etc.). In some embodiments, the apertures may each be configured such that a fence clip-gun is able to apply a fence clip therethrough to thereby attach the polymer- based fence panel to the fence. As set forth above, in some embodiments, the polymer-based fence panel may take the form of an elongate strip. A series of the apertures may be provided along and adjacent to each long side of the strip. Such a strip may be supplied in a long roll, such that the fence panel may be rolled out along and then attached to a long line of fence. In some embodiments, the fence may be of a type that comprises one or more fence posts. In such embodiments, to facilitate attachment of the polymer-based fence panel to each fence post, the fence panel may be preconfigured with one or more apertures that are able to align with the fence post when the fence panel is attached to the fence. The polymer-based fence panel may comprise a single aperture arranged to facilitate its attachment to a given fence post. Alternatively, the polymer-based fence panel may comprise a series of apertures arranged to facilitate its attachment to a given fence post. The series of apertures may, in-use, be arranged vertically and / or horizontally in the polymer-based fence panel. In such embodiments, each aperture may extend through the polymer-based fence panel so that a respective fence post retainer is able to extend therethrough (i.e. to attach the polymer-based fence panel to a given fence post). Again, the fence post retainer may take the form of a clip, tie, strap, anchor, fastener, etc. The fence post may be a Y- or T- post (e.g. of metal), a round post or pole (e.g. of metal or timber), etc. In such embodiments, when the polymer-based fence panel is in the form of an elongate strip, the series of apertures may extend transversely across the strip. In some embodiments, the polymer base-material of the fence panel may have a composition and / or thickness and / or texture of polymer that is resistant to penetration by a feral and / or wild animal. For example, the polymer base-material of the fence panel may be fabricated to be resistant to the teeth and / or claws of a feral and / or wild animal. In this regard, the composition of the polymer base-material of the fence panel may comprise one or more additives. Such additives may be selected so as to increase toughness, UV-resistance and / or tensile strength. Such additives may include fibres (e.g. glass or resin fibres, high tensile fibres, etc). Such additives may include UV-screening chemicals. In some embodiments, one or more wires may be embedded within the polymer- based fence panel. Each of the one or more embedded wires may extend for a length and / or width of the fence panel. For example, the one or more wires embedded within the fence panel may comprise one or more line wires and / or one or more picket wires. The line wires and picket wires may or may not form a mesh. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more wires embedded within the fence panel may comprise a wire mesh (e.g. of various mesh types and configurations). The one or more wires / mesh may be embedded during the formation of the polymer-based fence panel (e.g. during its extrusion through a die). The one or more wires / mesh to be embedded may be metallic and / or non- metallic (e.g. of polymer or polymer-coated). For example, the one or more embedded wires may be spaced apart from each other according to the type of feral / wild animals, vermin, etc. being excluded or contained by the fence. In this regard, the spacing provided between adjacent embedded wires may in turn, determine the quantity of wires embedded within the fence panel. For example, a fence panel having embedded wires spaced closely together will have a larger quantity of wires than a fence panel having embedded wires spaced further apart. Advantageously, spacing the embedded wires closely together may exclude or contain smaller animals, vermin, etc. Conversely, a larger spacing between the embedded wires may exclude or contain relatively larger animals, vermin, etc. In this way, the spacing of the embedded wires in the fence panel may be strategically chosen depending on the types of feral / wild animals, vermin, etc. being excluded or contained by the fence. Such embedded wires can also increase the tensile strength of the polymer-based fence panel (i.e. they can act as reinforcing within the panel). However, the embedded wires may also increase the torsional, twist and / or shear-resistance of the polymer-based fence panel (especially when the embedded wires are in the form of a mesh). At least some of the one or more embedded wires may be embedded at a location adjacent to where the series of apertures are provided through the polymer-based fence panel, with the embedded wires thereby serving to ‘strengthen’ or ‘support’ each aperture. At least some of the one or more embedded wires may be polymer coated. For example, the one or more embedded wires may be polymer coated with a polymer-based paint layer. Such a layer may be formed from an emulsion-type polymer or co-polymer in the form of a polymer-based paint. The embedded wires may be coated with this polymer-based paint such as by dipping, spray-coating, ete. Further, in use, part of the polymer material of the fence panel can be removed (e.g. cut or scraped away by a suitable tool) — e.g. at one or both opposite ends of a length of the polymer-based fence panel, and / or at discrete intermediate locations of the fence panel length, to expose a section or portion of the embedded wire. This exposed section or portion may then be used to attach the polymer- based fence panel to the fence (e.g. via one or more retainers such as wire ties and / or clips and / or anchors and / or straps, etc. to post(s) or wire(s) of the fence). In some embodiments, the polymer base-material of the fence panel may comprise a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer may be polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene. Whilst the polymer base-material of the fence panel may typically be extruded, it may also be woven from a polymer fibre. Also disclosed herein, in a second aspect, is a fence comprising a polymer-based fence panel as set forth above. The fence of the second aspect may be effective as a boundary, containment and / or exclusion fence for livestock, feral and wild animals, vermin, etc. The fence may be particularly suited for use as a containment and / or exclusion fence. The fence may employ the polymer-based fence panel in the various combinations as set forth above (i.e. at one or more of the: ‘no-climb’, ‘no-burrow’, or ‘no- passage’ barrier locations). In some embodiments, the fence of the second aspect may be constructed of wire and posts. In such embodiments, the fence panel may be attached to the fence wire and / or posts via one or more retainers (e.g. wire ties and / or clips and / or anchors and / or straps, etc.). In some embodiments, the polymer-based fence panel may be attached to extend along one or more of: an upper part of the fence (e.g. no-climb); a lower above- ground part of the fence (e.g. no-passage); a lower below-ground part of the fence (e.g. no-burrow). In a variation, the polymer-based fence panel at the lower above-ground part of the fence may be arranged to extend partially into the ground in use. This can help prevent e.g. sliding and crawling animals from passing (e.g. digging, etc.) under the fence panel at the no-passage location, In other variations, the polymer-based fence panel at the lower below-ground part of the fence may be arranged to be buried (i.e. fully) in the ground in use, or a portion thereof can protrude above the ground. In either case, this can help prevent e.g. digging and burrowing animals from passing under or through the fence panel at the no-burrow location. In a further variation, the polymer-based fence panel at the upper part of the fence may be arranged at an uppermost part of the fence. This can help prevent e.g. climbing-type animals that have the ability to jump from getting a purchase on the fence panel at the no-climb location. In some embodiments, opposing polymer-based fence panels may be arranged at opposing sides of the upper part of the fence. Such opposing fence panels can thereby cover or enclose the upper part of the fence, thereby preventing access thereto by climbing-type animals. In some forms, the opposing fence panels can be arranged on a lower and / or upper part of the fence whereby the opposing fence panels align with each other, and whereby the fence panels can overlap on opposing sides of the fence. In these forms, the fence panels arranged on either side of the fence can act to exclude or contain e.g. a small burrowing e.g. marsupial on both sides of the fence. Alternatively, the fence panels on either side of the fence can act to exclude or contain e.g. a climbing animal (e.g. feral cat) on both sides of the fence. In alternative forms, the opposing fence panels can be arranged such that the fence panels are offset from each other, such that they do not overlap on opposing sides of the fence. Arranging the panels in this way may allow for exclusion or containment of a small burrowing e.g. marsupial on one side of the fence and allow for exclusion or containment of a climbing animal (e.g. feral cat) on the opposing side of the fence. Also disclosed herein, in a third aspect, is a fence that comprises opposing polymer-based fence panels. The opposing fence panels can be arranged at opposing sides of an above-ground part of the fence. For example, one or both of the opposing fence panels may be arranged at an upper (e.g. uppermost) part of the fence. Each of the opposing fence panels may be otherwise as set forth in the first aspect. Further, the fence of the third aspect may be otherwise as set forth in the second aspect. Also disclosed herein, in a fourth aspect, is a fence that comprises a polymer- based fence panel. In accordance with this aspect, at least a portion of the fence panel can be arranged at a lower below-ground part of the fence. For example, the fence panel may be buried (i.e. fully} in the ground in use. The use of an at least partially buried polymer-based fence panel in a fence is unique in containment and exclusion fencing. In some embodiments of the fence of the fourth aspect, the polymer-based fence panel may define an apron or footer of the fence. When installing the fence panel as an apron or footer, a trench may be pre- or post-dug along the line of a fence and the fence panel may then be located therein. The fence panel may e.g. be attached to one or more posts of the fence line, and may also be attached to lowermost wire(s) of the fence. In some embodiments of the fence of the fourth aspect, the polymer-based fence panel at the lower below-ground part of the fence may be otherwise as set forth in the first aspect. Further, the fence of the fourth aspect may be otherwise as set forth in the second and third aspects. In some embodiments of the fence of each of the second to fourth aspects, the fence may comprise electrified wiring. For example, the fence panel may be arranged at the fence in proximity of the electrified wiring. By way of further example, the fence panel may be arranged at the fence in between the electrified wiring and a remainder of the fence. Because the fence panel is polymer-based, it may inherently act as an electrical insulator to the electrified wiring. Further, the electrical insulation properties of the polymer-based fence panel may allow the electrified wiring to be located in closer proximity to metal materials of the fence (i.e. closer than the case where no such polymer-based fence panel is employed). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a section of a fence, with no-climb and no-burrow fence panels attached thereto in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 1A shows a schematic end view of the no-burrow fence panel of Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows a front schematic view of an embodiment of a section of prefabricated fence mesh with a no-passage fence panel attached thereto in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 3 shows a front schematic view of an embodiment of a section of a fence comprising another prefabricated fence mesh type, with a no-climb fence panel attached thereto in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 4 shows a front schematic view of the fence of Fig. 2, further comprising a no-passage fence panel having embedded picket and line wires in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 5 shows a front schematic view of the fence of Fig. 3, further comprising a no-climb fence panel having embedded picket and line wires in accordance with the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure. In the following description of specific embodiments, polymer-based fence panels in the form of elongate fence strips 10, 15, 30 and 40 will be described. Such strips can be deployed at various fence types (existing and new fences) and can assist the fence in providing an effective boundary, containment and / or exclusion for livestock, feral and wild animals, vermin, etc. The polymer-based fence strips as disclosed herein are particularly suited for enhancing the containment and / or exclusion functions of an existing / new wire fence. The polymer-based fence strips as disclosed herein are also particularly suited for enhancing the containment of livestock such as horses. The polymer-based fence strips can be fabricated with a suitable width to enhance the containment and / or exclusion functions at an existing / new fence. Referring firstly to Figs. 1 & 1A, two polymer-based fence panels are shown in the form of a no-climb fence strip 10 and a no-burrow fence strip 15. The fence strips 10 and 15 are attached to respective sections of a prefabricated wire fence F1. The fence F1 is mounted (e.g. clipped, tied, strapped, anchored, fastened, etc.) to a series of spaced fence posts P (e.g. Y- or T-posts), and extends along and between the posts P. ‘Whilst the fence strip 10 is referred to herein as a ‘no-climb’ fence strip, it should be understood that it is not limited to the function of preventing climbing of the fence. In this regard, the fence strip 10 can help with the containment of e.g. livestock (such as horses, etc.), where it can act as a visual (e.g. ‘no-passage’) barrier. The no-climb fence strip 10 can be attached to one side or to opposite sides of the fence F1 (e.g. opposing strips 10 can be attached to locate at opposite upper regions of the fence F1). For example, when attached to opposite sides of the fence F1, the strips 10 can keep a wild (e.g. protected) animal species within a compound / area / region and can keep vermin / predators / feral animals out of the compound / area / region. In this regard, attaching on opposite fence sides can close off both of the fence sides to climbing. In Fig. 1, the no-climb fence strip 10 is shown attached towards an upper region of the fence F1. The fence strip 10 can be attached by one or more retainers (e.g. one or more clips, ties, straps, anchors, fasteners, etc.). The attachment can be secure (e.g. allowing little to no movement} or it may allow for some movement in certain directions with respect to the fence F1 (e.g. vertically, horizontally and / or laterally away). The strip 10 can be attached at the uppermost region of fence F1, or it can be spaced down from the uppermost edge of fence F1. The strip 10 can have a thickness, texture and / or composition which makes it difficult to climb, grasp and / or penetrate for climbing-type animals, In Figs. 1 & 1A, the no-burrow fence strip 15 is attached by one or more retainers (i.e. as set forth above) along one (i.e. uppermost) edge of the strip to extend down from a lower (e.g. lowermost) region of the fence F1. The no-burrow fence strip 15 is typically buried substantially or completely in the ground G. When thus located, the strip 15 can serve to prevent burrowing-type animals from passing under the fence. The strip 15 can have a thickness and / or composition which gives it resistance to damage or breach from burrowing-type animals. In Fig. 1, the no-climb fence strip 10 is preconfigured with a series of ‘horseshoe’ apertures 16 that are formed through the strip to locate, in the series, along and adjacent to opposite long sides of the strip 10. The apertures 16 enable the in-use upper and lower edges of the strip 10 to e.g. be clipped, tied, etc. to respective wires of the prefabricated wire fence F1, For example, the apertures 16 can be configured such that a fence clip-gun is able to apply a fence clip therethrough to thereby attach the fence strip 10 to wires of the fence F1. Instead of horseshoe-type apertures, each aperture may take the form of an eyelet or ring-type hole (e.g. surrounded by a metal eyelet or ring for reinforcement). The apertures 16 are typically formed during the manufacture (e.g. moulding) of the fence strip 10. Alternatively, the apertures 16 can be subsequently formed (e.g. punched, drilled, etc.) through the strip 10 in a post-manufacturing stage / step. The no-climb fence strip 10 is also fabricated (e.g. extruded) with two embedded metal wires 18 that extend through the strip 10 along and adjacent to the opposite long sides (i.e. the in-use upper and lower sides) of the strip. The upper and lower wires 18 help to strengthen and stiffen the strip 10, and can also reinforce the apertures 16 along a side thereof. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, a portion of each wire 18 can be exposed (e.g. by cutting / shaving away the strip) at opposite ends of the strip 10, with such wire portions able to be attached by one or more retainers (i.e. as set forth above) to respective strainer-type posts (e.g. circular timber or metal posts) located at ends or intermediate points of a fenceline. One or more line wires 17 can be embedded within the fence strip 10 (i.e. in use, ‘line’ wires generally extend horizontally in a fence). The line wires 17 can extend for a full length of the fence strip 10. Alternatively or additionally, one or more picket wires 19 can be embedded within the fence strip 10 (i.e. in use, ‘picket’ wires generally extend vertically in a fence). The picket wires 19 can extend for a full width of the fence strip 10. The line and picket wires 17,19 to be embedded may or may not be in mesh form. In an alternative form, a wire mesh (e.g. other than of lines and pickets — see e.g. Fig. 3) can be embedded within the fence strip 10. Again, the embedded mesh can extend for a full length and / or width of the fence strip 10. The one or more of the wires / mesh can be embedded during the formation of the polymer-based fence panel, such as during its extrusion through a die. Ina variation, the fence strip can be formed by pultrusion (i.e. by pulling the wires / mesh through the die and moulding the polymer around the wires / mesh). The embedded wires / mesh may be metallic and may optionally be coated with a polymer (e.g. paint) layer, as set forth below. The embedded wires / mesh can optionally be non-metallic (e.g. formed of polymer). The no-burrow fence strip 15 is also preconfigured with a series of ‘horseshoe’ apertures 20 as well as two embedded metal wires 22 that extend through strip 15 along and adjacent to the in-use upper and lower sides of the strip. However, the apertures 20 are formed through the strip 15 to locate in series along one long side only of the strip (i.e. the in-use lower side of strip 15 typically does not need securing). Thus, typically only the in-use upper side of the strip 15 is attached by one or more retainers (i.e. as set forth above) to a lower or lowermost wire of the prefabricated wire fence F1. Alternatively, the upper side of the strip 15 can be attached to a special line wire LW (see Fig. 1). The no-burrow fence strip 15 can be attached to the fence F1 at a location such that a portion of the strip protrudes above the ground G. In this regard, if the protruding portion is of significant extent, the no-burrow fence strip 15 can also provide a ‘no-passage’ function, as described below, The no-burrow fence strip 15 can also be preconfigured with a series of ‘transverse’ apertures 24. The apertures 24 can be located so as to correspond with standard fence post spacings for a fenceline, In this regard, the transverse apertures 24 enable the strip 15 to be attached by one or more fence post retainers (e.g. clips, ties, straps, anchors, fasteners, etc.) to each of the posts P. Such transverse apertures may or may not be required in each of the no-climb and no- passage fence strips. Referring now to Fig. 2, a single polymer-based fence panel in the form of a no- passage fence strip 30 is shown, The fence strip 30 is attached to a respective lower section of a prefabricated wire fence portion F2. The no-passage fence strip 30 can prevent or restrict the passage of crawling and sliding-type animal species. In Fig. 2, the no-passage fence strip 30 is shown attached to the fence F2 at a location such that a lower portion of the strip protrudes into the ground G. However, it should be understood that an in-use lower edge of the no-passage fence strip 30 can locate at or just under the surface of ground G. Where the protruding portion of the no-passage fence strip 30 is of significant extent, the strip 30 can also provide a ‘no-burrowing’ function, such as for preventing or restricting the passage of smaller burrowing animals under the fence. Again, the no-passage fence strip 30 is preconfigured with a series of apertures, but in this case the apertures take the form of circular holes 32. The holes 32 locate, in series, along and adjacent to opposite long (i.e. in-use upper and lower) sides of the strip 30. The holes 32 enable the in-use upper and lower edges of the strip 30 to e.g. be clipped, tied, etc. to respective wires of the fence F2. Again, the no-passage fence strip 30 is fabricated (e.g. extruded) with two embedded metal wires 34 that extend through the strip 30 along and adjacent to the in-use upper and lower sides of the strip. The upper and lower wires 34 function as outlined above. In a variation of the fence strip 30 set forth above, one or more line and picket wires 17, 19 can be embedded within the fence strip 30 as illustrated (by dotted lines) in Fig. 4. In this form, the picket wires 19 are configured to extend through the polymer-based fence panel (i.e. fence strip 30) and arranged to align with the picket wires 19 in the fence portion F2, The picket wires 19 embedded in the fence strip 30 may be either separate to, or a continuation of, the picket wires 19 of the fence portion F2. That is, in some forms the picket wires 19 of the fence portion F2 may be formed separately, and connected to the picket wires 19 embedded in the fence strip 30. In other words, the fence strip 30 could be fabricated (e.g. extruded, moulded, etc.) around a distinct portion of the fence portion F2. Alternatively, the picket wires 19 of the fence portion F2 may be formed as a continuous filament (i.e. wire) with the picket wires 19 embedded in the fence strip 30. In this latter case, the fence strip 30 could be moulded around the line wires 17 and picket wires 19 such that the line wires 17 and picket wires 19 become embedded in the fence strip 30.Referring now to Fig. 3, a single polymer-based fence panel for a woven mesh- type fence F3 is shown. The fence panel takes the form of another type of no- climb fence strip 40. Again, the fence strip 40 is attached to an upper section of a fence F3. Again, the no-climb fence strip 40 is preconfigured with a series of apertures, but in this case the apertures take the form of circular holes 42 that locate, in series, along and adjacent to the in-use upper and lower sides of the strip 40. The holes 42 enable the in-use upper and lower edges of the strip 40 to e.g. be clipped, tied, etc. to respective wires of the mesh of fence F3. Like the no-burrow fence strip 15, the fence strip 40 is also preconfigured with a series of transverse holes 44. The holes 44 are located so as to correspond with standard fence post spacings for a mesh-type fence. In this regard, the transverse holes 44 enable the strip 40 to be attached by one or more retainers (i.e. as set forth above) to each of the mesh-type fence posts MP. This arrangement can better secure the strip 40 to the fence F3. Again, the no-climb fence strip 40 is fabricated (e.g. extruded) with two embedded metal wires 46 that extend through the strip 40 along and adjacent to the in-use upper and lower sides of the strip. The upper and lower wires 46 function as outlined above. In a variation of the fence strip 40 set forth above, one or more line and picket wires 17,19 (as defined for the fence portion F2) can be embedded within the fence strip 40 as illustrated (by dotted lines) in Fig. 5. The picket wires 19 are configured to extend from the mesh-type fence F3 through the polymer-based fence panel (i.e. fence strip 40), In the form shown in Fig. 5, the picket wires 19 align with a portion of an upper- most mesh wire 48 of the fence F3 that would otherwise be interwoven (or intertwined) with an adjacent mesh wire of the fence F3. In other words, the upper-most mesh wire 48 is formed with a diamond-like shape, whereby a picket wire 19 of the fence strip 40 is positioned to connect at a vertex of the diamond- like shape. In this way, the pickets 19 are positioned such that they are offset from (i.e. do not align with) openings 50 of the mesh-type fence F3. Further, the pickets 19 are also positioned such that they are offset from (i.e. do not align with) the holes 42 in the fence strip 40. This prevents the pickets 19 occluding the holes 42. Like the no-passage fence strip 30 set forth above, the picket wires 19 embedded (by e.g. moulding) in the fence strip 40 may be either separate to, or a continuation of, the mesh-type fence F3. For example, the picket wires 19 may be interwoven with the mesh of the fence F3. Each of the fence strips 10, 15, 30 and 40 shown in Figs. 1 - 3 can be located at locations that are intermediate either the ‘no-climb’ and ‘no-passage’ locations, or the ‘no-burrow’ and ‘no-passage’ locations. As set forth above, each of the fence strips 10, 15, 30 and 40 shown in Figs. 1 - 3 can be securely attached to a fence (i.e. to generally be restrained against movement). Alternatively, retainer(s} may be employed and / or fitted that allows for some movement of the fence strips with respect to the fence (e.g. limited movement laterally off the fence and / or vertically up / down but not horizontally, or vice versa, etc.). Each of the fence strips 10, 15, 30 and 40 shown in Figs. 1 - 3 can have a width of up to 600 mm. However, during fabrication, the strip width may typically be varied to somewhere between e.g. 100 mm and 600 mm. For example, the fence strips 10, 15 and 40 (i.e. at the no-climb and no-burrow locations) are typically wider (e.g. up to 600 mm) than the fence strip 30 at the no-passage location (e.g. less than ~ 500 mm). The elongate fence strip can, in each such case, be supplied as and unwound from a roll. Depending on the application, different combinations of fence strips may be employed at a fence. For example, the fence may comprise: no-climb and no- burrow strips; no-climb and no-passage strips; no-passage and no-burrow strips; just one of the no-climb, no-passage or no-burrow strips; all three of the no-climb, no-passage and no-burrow strips. Further, as set forth above, the no-passage and no-burrow strips may each be fabricated with a width to provide at least part or all of the function of the other. Alternatively, the no-climb strip may be fabricated with a width to provide a no-climb plus a no-passage barrier. As set forth above, each of the fence strips 10, 15, 30 and 40 shown in Figs. 1 - 3 can have a thickness, texture and / or composition which makes them difficult to climb, grasp, tear and / or penetrate for various animal types. The characteristics of the polymer base material can also be varied depending on where in the fence the strip is located. Typically, the polymer base-material of the fence panel comprises a thermoplastic polymer, especially a polymer that can be extruded. In this regard, the thermoplastic polymer may be polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene. Whilst the polymer base-material of the fence panel is typically extruded, it may also be woven from a polymer fibre. The composition of the polymer base-material of each fence strip can have one or more additives thereto. Such additives can be selected so as to increase toughness, UV-resistance and / or tensile strength. Such additives can include fibres (e.g. glass or resin fibres, high tensile fibres, metal fibres, mesh, etc). Such additives can include UV-screening chemicals, Further, during extrusion through a die, orina post-forming operation, the surface profile of the strip can be textured or roughened; such as to act as a deterrent to animal teeth, claws, skin, etc. In each of the fence strips 10, 15, 30 and 40 shown in Figs. 1 — 3, the embedded wires 18, 22, 34 and 46 (or embedded mesh) can comprise a steel wire with a galvanic (e.g. Zn or Zn-Al costing) and a polymer (e.g. paint) layer. Such a coated wire can also be employed for the prefabricated fencing material (i.e. for each of fences F1, F2 and F3). In some embodiments, the prefabricated fencing material can have an additional (e.g. thermoplastic) coating that surrounds and coats the polymer paint layer. Suitable materials for the additional coating include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyamide, polycellulose, polyacetal, co-polymers thereof, etc. A suitable wire for the prefabricated fencing material is disclosed in AU 2020901024, the relevant contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The polymer paint layer can facilitate adhesion of the embedded wires with the polymer base material of each of the strips. Such a polymer paint layer can also act as a barrier coating when the end(s) of each embedded wire are exposed (e.g. for post-tying purposes). In conjunction with the galvanic coating layer, the polymer paint layer provides a duplex coating system to the steel wire. The polymer paint layer can be formed from an emulsion-type polymer or co- polymer in the form of a polymer-based paint. A variety of emulsion polymers and copolymers can be suitably employed for the polymer paint layer, including polyolefins, polyamides, polyacrylates, polystyrene, styrene acrylics, and suitable mixtures thereof, etc. The paint layer can adhesively and / or chemically bond to the galvanic coating layer. The polymer paint layer can also contain adhesion promoters or chemicals which promote adhesion of the polymer paint to the galvanic coating layer. As above, references herein to no-climb, no-passage and no-burrow fence strips are not intended to limit the function of the fence strip. Variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the disclosure. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features various embodiments ¢ the fence panel and fence.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A polymer-based fence panel for attachment to a fence, the fence panel being preconfigured to facilitate its attachment to the fence.

2. A fence panel according to claim 1 wherein the fence comprises one or more wires, and wherein the polymer-based fence panel is preconfigured to facilitate its attachment to one or more of the wires of the fence.

3. A fence panel according to claim 2 wherein the preconfiguring of the fence panel takes the form of a number of apertures provided along at least one side of the fence panel, each aperture extending through the fence panel so that a respective retainer is able to extend therethrough.

4. A fence panel according to claim 3 wherein the fence panel is in the form of an elongate strip, and wherein a series of apertures are provided along and adjacent to each long side of the strip.

5. A fence panel according to claim 3 or 4 wherein the apertures are each configured such that a fence clip-gun is able to apply a fence clip therethrough to thereby attach the fence panel to the fence.

6. A fence panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fence comprises one or more fence posts, and wherein, to facilitate attachment of the fence panel to each fence post, the fence panel is preconfigured with one or more apertures that are able to align with the fence post when the fence panel is attached to the fence, each aperture extending through the fence panel so that a respective fence post retainer is able to extend therethrough.

7. A fence panel according to claim 6 wherein the polymer-based fence panel comprises: a single aperture arranged to facilitate attachment of the fence panel to a given fence post; a series of apertures arranged in-use vertically and / or horizontally to facilitate attachment of the fence panel to a given fence post.

8. A fence panel according to claim 7 wherein the fence panel is in the form of an elongate strip, and wherein the series of apertures extend transversely across the strip.

9. A fence panel according to any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein the apertures are formed subsequent to formation of the fence panel, such as in a post- manufacturing step.

10. A fence panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the polymer base-material of the fence panel has a composition and / or thickness of polymer that is resistant to penetration by a feral and / or wild animal.

11. A fence panel according to claim 10 wherein the composition of the polymer base-material of the fence panel comprises one or more additives, such as to increase toughness, UV-resistance and / or tensile strength, 12. A fence panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more wires are embedded within the fence panel, each of the one or more embedded wires extending for a length and / or width of the fence panel.

13. A fence panel according to claim 12 wherein the one or more wires embedded within the fence panel comprise one or more line wires and / or picket wires and / or comprise a wire mesh.

14. A fence panel according to claim 12 or 13 wherein at least some of the one or more embedded wires are polymer coated such as by being coated with a polymer-based paint layer.

15. A fence panel according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the polymer base-material of the fence panel comprises a thermoplastic polymer such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene or polypropylene.

16. A fence comprising a polymer-based fence panel according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. A fence according to claim 16 wherein the fence is constructed of wire and posts, and wherein the fence panel is attached to the fence wire and / or posts via one or more retainers.

18. A fence according to claim 16 or 17 wherein, for a fence, the fence panel is attached to extend along one or more of: an upper part of the fence; a lower above-ground part of the fence; a lower below-ground part of the fence.

19. A fence according to claim 18 wherein the fence panel at the lower above- ground part of the fence is arranged to extend partially into the ground in use, and / or wherein the fence panel at the lower below-ground part of the fence is arranged to be buried in the ground in use.

20. A fence according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the fence panel is arranged at an uppermost part of the fence.

21. A fence according to any one of claims 18 to 20 wherein opposing fence panels are arranged at opposing sides of the upper part of the fence.

22. A fence that comprises opposing polymer-based fence panels, wherein the opposing fence panels are arranged at opposing sides of an above-ground part of the fence.

23. A fence according to claim 22 wherein the opposing fence panels are each arranged at an upper part of the fence.

24. A fence according to claim 22 or 23 wherein each of the opposing fence panels is otherwise as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 15.

25. A fence according to any one of claims 22 to 24 wherein the fence is otherwise as set forth in any one of claims 16 to 19.

26. A fence that comprises a polymer-based fence panel, wherein at least a portion of the fence panel is arranged at a lower below-ground part of the fence.

27. A fence according to claim 26 wherein the fence panel is buried in the ground in use.

28. A fence according to claim 26 or 27 wherein the fence panel defines an apron or footer of the fence.

29. A fence according to any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein the fence panel at the lower below-ground part of the fence is otherwise as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 15.

30. A fence according to any one of claims 26 to 29 wherein the fence is otherwise as set forth in any one of claims 16 to 24.

31. A fence according to any one of claims 16 to 30 wherein the fence comprises electrified wiring, and wherein the fence panel is arranged at the fence in proximity of the electrified wiring.

32. A fence according to claim 31 wherein the fence panel is arranged at the fence in between the electrified wiring and a remainder of the fence.

33. A fence according to claim 31 or 32 wherein the remainder of the fence comprises electrically conductive portions, and wherein the fence panel is arranged at the fence in between the electrified wiring and such electrically conductive portions.

34. A fence according to any one of claims 31 to 33 wherein the fence panel is arranged at the fence to extend: horizontally in a plane that is tangential to a plane of the fence; vertically in a plane that is on or tangential to the plane of the fence.

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