The Minns Labor Government has today announced virtual stock fencing will be legalised across the state providing landholders with a new effective way of controlling cattle.
This is part of the Minns Government's plan to boost the agriculture industry, reduce costs and better manage agricultural land and primary industries.
The NSW Member of Parliament for Orange, Phil Donato, has been championing the benefits of virtual fencing for primary producers to the NSW Government for the past three years.
The Government has listened to Phil Donato MP and the recommendations of the Legislative Assembly Committee Inquiry into the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024, plus the NSW Farmers, and animal welfare organisations, and is now moving to legalise virtual fencing.
Virtual fencing is used to contain cattle without the need for physical internal fencing, instead using devices such as neck bands or collars that use GPS technology and sensory cues to manage their movement. These devices can also monitor the activity, health and welfare of cattle.
Using GPS coordinates, farmers will be able to use this technology as internal fencing, rather than having to construct new or maintain existing fencing. Plus, gain insights on the health and movement of their herds.
This assists farmers to reconfigure paddocks and reduce costs on fence repair, plus address other issues shown through data analysis more efficiently and effectively.
This reform brings NSW into line with Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania where virtual fencing is currently used.
The Inquiry Report recommended the development of a code of practise to specify animal welfare requirements.
The NSW Government will ensure necessary safeguards for animal welfare, biosecurity and public safety are in place for the introduction of virtual fencing.
Consultation will be undertaken on the proposed approach to allow virtual fencing in NSW before regulatory changes are made under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals legislation.
NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty:
"The NSW Government has listened to Phil Donato the MP for Orange and to the farming industry and will work with both industry and animal welfare groups to ensure we get the right balance for delivering virtual fencing on farms.
"These changes seek to reduce costs for farming and to enable agile paddock formation across land holdings to meet the needs of farmers while also protecting the welfare of cattle.
"The Government will now consider amendments to the POCTA Regulation and undertake consultation with key stakeholders including industry and animal welfare organisations."
Member for Orange, Phil Donato:
"The platform upon which I was first elected included representing the interests and needs of farmers, and I have maintained that commitment having vigorously advocated on behalf of our state's farmers ever since.
"I am pleased the Minns Government and the Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, have listened, worked through the issues and agreed to legalise virtual fencing in NSW through regulation.
"I congratulate the Government for their support, and I now look forward to advising Government to ensure we get the regulatory settings right so our farmers can reap the many benefits virtual fencing can deliver.
"It is imperative that government support scientific research-supported technological advancements in agriculture, so that our farmers have access to innovative tools which benefit the environment, animal management, their ag business and remain competitive in the marketplace.
"The benefits of virtual fencing cannot be overstated; in fact, a multi-generational Tasmanian dairy farmer recently told me that virtual fencing has been life altering for him and his family, and that if virtual fencing had not been made available to the business he manages he would have walked away from the industry years ago - completely burnt out.
"For the past three-plus years I have been lobbying the NSW Government non-stop to legalise this innovative livestock management technology, culminating in my introduction of a bill to legalise virtual fencing."
