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The history of vermin fences in Australia provides key lessons for biodiversity fences in the Australian arid zone: the best available design based on hard experience is essential; maintenance is essential; and maintenance is expensive and essentially indefinite. 

Proponents of predator -proof fences need to address key questions that rigorously explore details of the long-term aspects of any proposal: What is the real objective of the fence, and how do we measure its success? How long will the project last? (typical 3 - 5 year projects should be rejected). What is the maintenance protocol and budget? What happens if/when the fences are successful? Is there a plan for wild -release? Where? (Unless wild release piggybacks on other programs, this implies perpetual and expensive predator control). What happens if predators outside the fence can't be controlled for decades? Is private land to be fenced? (In general, this should not be funded). Unless proponents can answer these questions, funding should be refused. In any event, unless predators are controlled outside the fence, then the enclosure remains a captive breeding zoo which achieves little for conservation at a landscape-scale.