Thursday, 14 August 2025

Western Victoria Region

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:52): (1754) My question is for the Minister for Agriculture. I welcome the trials announced for virtual fencing for cattle in Victoria and the potential benefits for stock management, land use flexibility and environmental protection. I know the study is well supported by farmers in my Western Victoria Region electorate. Could you advise when the trial results will be available and outline the government’s timeline for moving from research to allowing commercial use of this technology? Further, I have received representations from pig producers in my electorate. Western Victoria is home to some of the state’s and indeed the country’s best pork producers, who see similar opportunities in their industry. Virtual fencing is now used internationally for cattle, sheep and goats, but not for pigs. Will the government extend research to include pigs so those producers can share in the same productivity, welfare and land management benefits?