Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said the decision was made following extensive consultation with farming groups, animal welfare agencies and suppliers to develop best practice guidelines.
“The NSW Government is offering cattle farmers a new opportunity by legalising virtual stock fencing. We committed to allow virtual fencing and now we are delivering on it,” she said.
“NSW farmers have now gained access to this new technology like their counterparts use in Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania.”
Virtual fencing uses GPS-enabled collars or neck bands that deliver sensory cues to influence livestock movement within farm boundaries.
The technology can monitor cattle activity, health and welfare while reducing stress associated with traditional herding methods using quad bikes and dogs.
The regulation follows recommendations from the Legislative Assembly Committee Inquiry into the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024 and discussions with farmers.
Under the new rules, users must receive training from suppliers or manufacturers and regularly monitor devices to ensure animal welfare standards.
The technology must use vibrational or audio cues before electric stimulation and can only be used for cattle.
“We have listened to the farming industry, animal welfare groups, and advocates like the Member for Orange Phil Donato and we have got the balance right for delivering virtual fencing on farms,” Ms Moriarty said.
“By legalising virtual fencing, we have ensured farmers can use the technology to reconfigure paddocks with the touch of a button and also receive insights on the health and movements of their herds in real time so they can act sooner when required.”
NSW Farmers' Association president Xavier Martin welcomed the decision, saying virtual fencing had transformed cattle production globally.
“From reducing ongoing fencing and maintenance costs, protecting biodiversity and limiting stock handling, the benefits of this technology make it an incredibly powerful tool,” Martin said.
“With farmers needing to produce more food and fibre than ever before, it's vital we jump on board with innovative technologies like this, so we can feed the future.”
