NSW Minns Government Backs Virtual Fencing

In welcome news to the NSW dairy industry, the Minns Government has announced support to legalise virtual fencing.  The industry has been calling for the legalisation of this technology to bring NSW into line with Qld, NT, Tasmania, WA and New Zealand.

Cattle neck bands and collars are already widely used for monitoring herd activity, health and welfare but this announcement opens the way for use as an alternative to expensive physical fencing.  Where virtual fencing is allowed and used in other States and NZ, farmers report significant efficiencies, cost savings and pasture management flexibilities.

The hold up with approval of virtual fencing in NSW has been opposition from animal welfare groups.  A parliamentary committee heard all arguments and the Government accepted their recommendation to support virtual fencing with a code of practise on its use.  Credit is due to Phil Donato, Member for Orange for initiating and pushing this issue in parliament, listening to industry calls. 

The next steps will be industry consultation, including the development of the code of practice, then introduction of changes to the Protection of Cruelty to Animals Regulations.  The parliamentary process to pass these changes into law is made much easier with this announced NSW Government support – Minister Moriarty is to be commended for this decision.

Throughout these next steps, EAM will continue to advocate for and represent NSW dairy farmers so they can finally access benefits of virtual fencing already enjoyed by Qld farmers. 

In these tough economic times for the dairy industry, Government decisions to remove regulatory barriers such as virtual fencing, go a long way to improve dairy farm profitability and efficiency.  They are low cost for Government, but high impact for industry – EAM will keep pushing for more of these for farmers.

Joe Bradley, President eastAUSmilk