MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has thrown his support behind the push to legalise virtual stock fencing in New South Wales.

A parliamentary inquiry into the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment (Virtual Stock Fencing) Bill 2024 has recommended the NSW Government legalise virtual fencing for commercial use.

The system would allow farmers to confine and move animals without physical fences using GPS, wireless and sensor technology.

The inquiry examined the benefits, risks, and consequences of virtual fencing.

It found the introduction of virtual fencing would largely benefit farmers through better grazing and pasture management, cost savings through reducing the need for physical fences, increased labour productivity and reduced exposure to work health and safety issues.

Mr Moylan has endorsed the recommendations and supports the call to legalise the technology in NSW.

“The technology has numerous benefits to the agriculture as well as the land and environment,” Mr Moylan said.

“Not only does it allow for better pasture management, but virtual fencing can also help preserve ecologically sensitive areas, manage stock in extreme weather events, identify sick animals and prevent the spread of disease.

“By allowing farmers to use virtual fencing, along with a mandatory code of practice, we will see far more productive and effective farming practices.

“I encourage the NSW Government to consider the recommendations laid out by the inquiry and I will work with them to ensure we can get the use of virtual fencing over the line.”