Farmers have cheered as a state government inquiry has backed calls for virtual fencing technology to be legalised for use in NSW.
NSW Farmers Dairy Committee member Robert McIntosh said the extensive benefits of virtual fences were evident in the state government’s findings.
“With virtual fences, farmers can protect sensitive areas of the environment, reduce their fencing costs and even move livestock to safe areas in natural disasters without putting humans or animals at risk,” Mr McIntosh said.
“Fencing off noxious weeds to be controlled and adjusting grazing spaces to make the best possible use of available pasture are all other possibilities for boosting farm productivity and sustainability using virtual fencing.
“There’s no end to the advantages of this tool, and so there’s no reason we shouldn’t be out there using it.”
With other states already taking advantage of the technology, Mr McIntosh said it was imperative the NSW Government acted quickly with industry to ensure farmers could make use of the fences in the state.
“Legalising virtual fences and working with industry to develop a code of conduct guiding the use of this technology are the next two key steps we must see the New South Wales Government take action on now, so we can start reaping the rewards of these fences sooner rather than later,” Mr McIntosh.
“Virtual fences are the way of the future for many farmers, and so we stand ready to help get this technology rolled out and in action across the state.
“Technology has so many benefits to offer farmers, and we need to be making use of it if we want to feed the future.”
Legalising virtual stock fencing in NSW is a key recommendation of the state’s Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development.
The committee was tasked with reviewing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024, to understand the proposed changes and implications of legalising the technology.
In March 2024, NSW Member for Orange Philip Donato introduced the bill in the Legislative Assembly, seeking to legalise the use of virtual stock fencing devices in NSW.
Committee chair Roy Butler also said virtual stock fencing technology could deliver a range of benefits to NSW farmers by reducing costs and allowing them to use their land more efficiently.
"Legalising the technology will bring NSW into line with other Australian and overseas jurisdictions that permit the commercial use of virtual stock fencing. It will also help our farmers to remain competitive, as they face increasing challenges from natural disasters, labour shortages and fluctuating markets."
The report also considered the impact of virtual stock fencing on animals and recommended that the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development develop a mandatory code of practice to protect animal welfare.
“The benefits of this technology need to be balanced with protecting the welfare of livestock. We believe that a mandatory code of practice will ensure safeguards are put in place and that technology producers are kept to high standards,” Mr Butler said.
The report also found that there was a lack of understanding about the technology. The committee recommended that the department develop an education campaign to help people understand the operation, risks and benefits of virtual stock fencing.