The announcement was made on April 30 by the NSW Government, as part of a plan to boost the agriculture industry, reduce costs and better manage agricultural land and primary industries.
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 decision was also based on the recommendations of the Legislative Assembly Committee Inquiry into the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024, the NSW Farmers Association, and animal welfare organisations.
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.
It will also enable farmers to 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.
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