Removing Barrier To High-Tech Fencing

Member for Orange Philip Donato MP has taken the first step towards legalising virtual stock fencing in NSW, delivering a Notice of Motion in the NSW Parliament to introduce the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2023. 

“Virtual fencing is high-tech ag technology that assists in autonomous animal control, helping to reduce farmers costs on internal fencing while facilitating rotational grazing principles, improving animal performance, and aiding in stopping stock theft. It can also assist with detecting if animals are sick or when they are cycling and is a potential huge game changer for our farmers. 

“Virtual fencing uses a GPS-enabled electronic collars and sensors to construct a digitally mapped boundary to monitor, track and confine stock animals. 

“This ag technology is being successfully used in Queensland, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, and New Zealand, however due to existing animal welfare legislation in NSW, which pre-dates this technology, NSW farmers have been left behind their interstate peers. 

“I delivered a notice of motion in the New South Wales Parliament, introducing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2023, which, if passed into law, will allow the use of the revolutionary virtual fencing technology,” said Mr Donato. 

“Unfortunately, due to our state’s existing animal welfare legislation, virtual fencing has been unlawful, as it uses an electronic collar to deliver audio cues and pulsating shock to the stock animal as it nears the invisible pre-set internal boundary. 

“The CSIRO has undertaken comprehensive research and testing of virtual fencing technology since 2005. I have personally consulted with members of the research team. I view the CSIRO’s work as an endorsement on the overwhelming benefits this technology and farming practice provides,” Mr Donato said. 

CSIRO R&D: https://www.csiro.au/en/research/technology-space/it/virtual-fencing