Farmershave cheered as a state government inquiry has backed calls for virtual fencingtechnology to be legalised for use in NSW.
NSW Farmers Dairy Committee member Robert McIntosh said the extensive benefitsof virtual fences were evident in the state government’s findings handed downon Tuesday.
“With virtual fences, farmers can protect sensitive areas of the environment,reduce their fencing costs and even move livestock to safe areas in naturaldisasters without putting humans or animals at risk,” Mr McIntosh said.
“Fencing off noxious weeds to be controlled and adjusting grazing spaces tomake the best possible use of available pasture are all other possibilities forboosting farm productivity and sustainability using virtual fencing.
“There’s no end to the advantages of this tool, and so there’s no reason weshouldn’t be out there using it.”
With other states already taking advantage of the technology, Mr McIntosh saidit was imperative the NSW Government acted quickly with industry to ensurefarmers could make use of the fences in the state.
“Legalising virtual fences and working with industry to develop a code ofconduct guiding the use of this technology are the next two key steps we must seethe NSW Government take action on now, so we can start reaping the rewards ofthese fences sooner rather than later,” Mr McIntosh.
“Virtual fences are the way of the future for many farmers, and so we standready to help get this technology rolled out and in action across the state.
“Technology has so many benefits to offer farmers, and we need to be making useof it if we want to feed the future.”
