Virtual stock fencing will be legalised across NSW, it was announced last week, providing landholders with a new, effective, way of controlling cattle.
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.
Farmers can use this technology as internal fencing, rather than having to construct new or maintain existing fencing. It can also be used to move herds and even gain insights on the health and movement of stock.
Member for Orange Phil Donato has been championing the benefits of virtual fencing for primary producers for the past three years, culminating in him introducing a bill to legalise the technology in NSW.
Last Wednesday morning, Mr Donato joined NSW Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty at the Orange Agricultural Institute where she announced the government would be taking steps to legalise virtual fencing in NSW.
“Today I’m really pleased to be announcing that the NSW Government will be amending laws in NSW to now allow for virtual fencing,” Ms Moriarty said.
“This is a really significant step in modernising how we’re dealing with managing animals on farms across NSW... this is based on feedback and requests from farmers over a long period of time, who’ve wanted this modernisation, but it’s particularly thanks to the advocacy of Phil Donato, the local member here who’s been pursuing this with me vigorously.”
This reform brings NSW into line with Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania, where virtual fencing is currently used.
Ms Moriarty said the NSW Government will ensure necessary safeguards for animal welfare, biosecurity, and public safety are in place for the introduction of virtual fencing.
Mr Donato said it was a big win for farmers.
“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,” Mr Donato said.
“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 the government to ensure we get the regulatory settings right so our farmers can reap the many benefits virtual fencing can deliver.”
