Cattle producers in Victoria and New South Wales can now use virtual fencing to guide and contain livestock, with both state governments approving the safe use of the technology
The Victorian and New South Wales governments have each announced new regulations which will give their state’s farmers access to virtual fencing and herding technology.
Virtual fencing technology uses collars or neck bands with GPS and wireless compatibility, delivering sensory cues to influence the movement of livestock. This is a solution to managing cattle without the need for physical fencing within a farm’s boundaries.
The technology can also monitor the activity, health and welfare of cattle, and can reduce the stress of the animals that can arise from herding with quad bikes and dogs.
The new regulations for both states have been developed following engagement with industry, manufacturers, researchers and animal welfare groups to better understand the impacts of this technology on animals.
Farmers adopting this technology will need to comply with certain requirements. In Victoria, this includes using approved technologies, completing manufacturer training, maintaining a physical boundary fence or barrier and ensuring collars are checked regularly.
In NSW, the requirements include being trained in how to use the device by the supplier or manufacturer, ensuring devices are regularly monitored and animal welfare standards are met, using vibrational or audio cues first before using electric cues, and controlling the boundaries that trigger cues, instead of delivering cues directly to an animal.
As part of the regulations, virtual fencing technology can only be used for cattle.
In Victoria, farmers can only use it on livestock species other than cattle when a scientific licence has been granted under the POCTA Act, and the use is approved by an Animal Ethics Committees.
Victorian manufacturers can now apply to Agriculture Victoria for their virtual fencing technology to be approved, with the first products expected to be approved in early February 2026.
The approval conditions will include requirements for record keeping and reporting.
NSW Farmers’ president Xavier Martin adds virtual fencing has changed the game for cattle producers not just in other parts of Australia, but around the globe.
“From reducing ongoing fencing and maintenance costs, protecting biodiversity and limiting stock handling, the benefits of this technology make it an incredibly powerful tool,” Martin says.
“With farmers needing to produce more food and fibre than ever before, it’s vital we jump on board with innovative technologies like this, so we can feed the future.”
A demonstration of virtual fencing technology took place at Agriculture Victoria’s Ellinbank SmartFarm in Gippsland between July 2024 and May 2025, giving farmers a better understanding of how it works.
Dairy cattle were fitted with solar-powered smart collars that use audio, vibration and electronic cues to contain animals within a virtual fence and guide them to areas of the farm via a mobile phone app.
The system also allowed farm staff to monitor the cows’ location, health and reproductive status.
The Victorian government says the trial demonstrated how virtual fencing technology can enhance livestock management, enabling farmers to monitor animal health and location in real time.
The state government adds cows adapted well to the system, with milk yields remaining consistent with expectations.