Unless you don't require hedge-like density I wouldn't use this species - var. australis or otherwise - for screening, it's not very dense. It seems it is most often employed in horticultural settings as a specimen plant.

Thanks for your response. We have a row of arborvitae that screened our deck from our neighbors. The deer have destroyed them and after several years it is obvious they need to go. Pictures below.

Two years ago we started a new barrier behind the arborvitae with Dragon Lady hollies, cryptomeria, a yellow wood, and a weeping cedar. There is a hill so we do not need as much height, so 6 to 8 feet will work and more height is a bonus. This year we wanted to fill in holes so we were looking at Prague viburnum for the most important screening locations, a dwarf juniper, and several of the sweet thing magnolia. The magnolias will go higher up the hill where density is less critical. The new plants are staggered over a much larger area and not in a line like the arborvitae

Unfortunately the cedar got borers and needs to be remove. We a looking at a weeping Serbian as a replacement.

The goal is to set the evergreens and then fill in with various deciduous shrubs before cutting down the now ugly arborvitae.

The only plant I did not know was the magnolia. I was told sweet thing will hold its leaves in the winter, grow 6 to 8 feet, and it deer resistant. What has your experience been?

My thread regarding 'Prague' viburnum. It is dense, thick, and can take all the winter we have here in Maryland. Am not saying the deer won't eat it, but its not their first choice. I don't think your magnolia would be an effective screen. Something like 'Nellie Stevens' holly or Photinia x fraseri is preferable.

Doubt it grows only 8 ft. tall, that is very short for a magnolia. And if it is that dwarf you will probably be waiting a long time for the screen to manifest.

I've never heard of this one and I'm kind of a magnolia specialist, so you may not get anyone here who has grown it. Especially if it is new at all.

I echo Sam's suggestion of 'Pragense' viburnum. Depending on where in Maryland you are, you could also try Fosters holly or Teddy Bear southern magnolia. Ilex opaca is a slow grower, but deer tend to avoid it. Very dense with sun. 'Satyr Hill' is a good cultivar.