New South Wales will soon join several other Australian states in legalising virtual stock fencing, providing farmers with a modern, cost-effective solution for livestock management. The move aims to support innovation in agriculture, improve animal welfare, and reduce fencing and land management costs for landholders.
Virtual fencing uses GPS-enabled devices, such as collars or neckbands, to create invisible boundaries for cattle. These devices guide livestock using sensory cues like sounds or vibrations and can also monitor their health and activity levels.
The NSW Government’s decision follows strong industry advocacy, including recommendations from an inquiry into animal welfare legislation and support from farming and animal welfare organisations. The legalisation will bring NSW into alignment with Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania, where virtual fencing is already in use.
Farmers using virtual fencing will be able to reconfigure paddocks without physical barriers, improve land use efficiency, and receive real-time data to monitor herd movement and wellbeing. This reduces reliance on traditional fencing and the associated maintenance costs.
Ahead of regulatory changes under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA) legislation, the government will consult with stakeholders to ensure that appropriate standards are in place to protect animal welfare, public safety, and biosecurity.
A formal code of practice is expected to be developed to set clear welfare guidelines for virtual fencing use.