Virtual Fencing Goes Live in NSW

It’s official: virtual fencing is now legal in New South Wales. As of December 11, cattle producers across the state can embrace one of the most talked-about innovations in modern agriculture; technology that promises to transform how we manage livestock and land.

The announcement, made by Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty at the Orange Ag Institute, follows years of advocacy and consultation. Victoria announced similar changes just a day earlier, and South Australia is expected to follow suit. With connectivity improvements underway and growing interest in ag-tech, virtual fencing is poised to become a game-changer for efficiency, sustainability, and profitability.

Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP, who has championed the cause since 2022, called the decision “great news for our farming community,” adding that it marks “the start of a new era of farming.”

Virtual fencing has already proven its worth in Queensland, Tasmania, and WA, and now NSW farmers are ready to join the movement. The technology reduces the need for traditional fencing, cuts maintenance and labourcosts, and allows for precision grazing, all while improving sustainability and animal welfare.

For Jared and Suz Doyle, who run a cattle breeding and finishing operation near Nundle, the timing couldn’t be better. The family had budgeted for physical fencing to create smaller grazing plots as part of a carbon program, but now, that money will go toward Gallagher’s eShepherdneckbands instead.

“It’s an exciting time for the cattle industry to have this technology available,” Jared told The Land. After following virtual fencing developments for nearly a decade, he’s eager to see the benefits firsthand: improved pasture management, reduced overheads, and greater flexibility.

Member for Orange, Phil Donato MP says“… today’s announcement is great news for our farming community. Permitting the latest in ag technology allows our farmers to be competitive, productive and boost on-farm efficiency. It has been a long slog to get to this stage. A journey I have been personally crusading since 2022. I am extremely grateful to the NSW Government, Premier Minns and Minister Moriarity for listening to my calls to modernise legislation permitting our cattle farmers to lawfully use virtual fencing in this state. This announcement is the start of a new era of farming, and something I’m sure will provide immense benefits. The fact that following NSW announcement states like Victoria and South Australia look like following, reinforces the demand in the sector for this technology. I would like to thank Gallagher for showing me their e-shepherd product in use in Queensland a few years ago when I began researching virtual fencing. This played a huge role in informing me on the benefits of this product and reinforced my commitment in getting Virtual Fencing legalised in NSW.”

And from Caitlin Barnett, eShepherd Regional Lead for Australasia

“We’re absolutely thrilled to see virtual fencing become legal in NSW. This is a huge step forward for livestock management, and we know demand is going to be high. Farmers have been waiting for this moment, so if you’re considering eShepherd, now’s the time to get in quick and secure your spot.”