Nsw Government Commits To Legalising Virtual Stock Fencing

The Minns Labor Government last week 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.

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Tara Mo­riarty said: “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.”

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.

Member for Orange, Phil Donato said: “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.