News — Wind fence

With rare exceptions, Australian rural fences are to limit movement of animals. But one fence was erected to limit wind - a wind fence. Sarah Island Less well-known than the penal settlement at Port Arthur, the eight hectares of Sarah Island in Macquarie Harbour (Tasmania) were the site of a convict settlement from 1822 to 1833. Conditions - constant cold, windy and rainy weather exacerbated by poor accommodation and food - led to harsh discipline, and a well-deserved reputation as a hell-hole.  The island was cleared for the necessary barracks and administration buildings, and a ship-building yard. However this exposed...