Silt Fence
Shop our range of silt fence — geotextile erosion and sediment control fencing used on construction sites, civil works, and earthworks to prevent silt and sediment runoff into waterways, drains, and neighbouring properties. Compliant with Queensland erosion and sediment control requirements. Australia-wide delivery available.
Silt Fence — Buying Guide
Silt fence is an essential erosion and sediment control (ESC) measure required on construction sites, land development projects, and civil earthworks across Queensland. When correctly installed, silt fence captures silt-laden stormwater runoff, allowing water to pass through the geotextile fabric while retaining sediment particles on the upslope side. This prevents sediment from entering waterways, stormwater drains, and adjoining properties — a key regulatory requirement under Queensland’s Environmental Protection Act and local council conditions of development approval.
How Silt Fence Works
Silt fence consists of a permeable geotextile fabric attached to timber or steel support stakes driven into the ground at regular intervals. Stormwater running down slope is intercepted by the silt fence, sediment settles out on the upslope side, and relatively clean water passes through the fabric and continues downslope. The fence must be correctly sized and installed to handle the expected flow volume and sediment load — undersized or improperly installed silt fence will fail and may result in regulatory non-compliance.
Key Specifications to Consider
- Fabric type: Woven or non-woven geotextile — woven fabrics generally provide better flow rate and sediment retention; non-woven fabrics may provide finer filtration
- Fabric weight (GSM): Heavier fabrics (180–250 GSM) provide more robust filtration and longer service life under site conditions
- Post spacing: Standard silt fence is installed with stakes at 1.5–2 metre intervals. Closer spacing (1.0–1.5m) is required on steeper slopes or in areas with high expected runoff volume
- Installation depth: The base of the silt fence fabric must be buried 150–300mm in a trench and backfilled to prevent water from passing underneath — the most common cause of silt fence failure
Where Is Silt Fence Required in Queensland?
- All construction sites where ground disturbance creates erosion risk — houses, units, industrial buildings
- Civil earthworks including road construction, drainage works, and utility trenching
- Land clearing and subdivision development
- Any site with conditions of development approval requiring erosion and sediment control measures
- Mine sites and quarries under environmental authority conditions
Installation Tips
Silt fence should be installed along the contour (across the slope) rather than up and down the slope, to intercept runoff effectively. Install with the fabric on the downslope side of the stakes. Always trench in and backfill the base of the fabric to prevent undercutting. Inspect silt fence regularly during and after rainfall events — remove accumulated sediment when it reaches half the fabric height to maintain effectiveness, and repair any damage or breaches immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does silt fence last?
Quality UV-stabilised silt fence fabric typically lasts 6–24 months under site conditions depending on UV exposure, mechanical damage, and sediment loading. For longer projects, plan for inspection and possible replacement of the fabric while retaining existing stakes.
Do I need council approval to install silt fence on a construction site?
Silt fence installation is typically required as a condition of development approval rather than requiring separate approval. Your erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP) — prepared as part of your development application — will specify where and how silt fence is to be installed. Ensure your installation matches the approved ESCP.
Do you deliver silt fence to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast?
Yes — we offer Australia-wide delivery including to Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and all of South East Queensland. Contact us for freight quotes on large orders.
Order Silt Fence Online — Sunshine Coast, Brisbane & Australia-Wide
Discount Landscape Supplies stocks silt fence for construction, civil, and development sites across Queensland and Australia. Order online with fast dispatch to Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and all of Australia. Contact our team for ESC product advice and bulk pricing on large site orders.