New fines of $220,000 per individual and $440,000 for corporations now exist for anyone illegally trespassing on farms, along with on-the-spot fines of $1000.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In a major overhaul of the NSW Biosecuity Act the new penalties will take effect from August 1.
Minister for Agriculture and Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said under changes to the Biosecurity Regulation 2017, it will become mandatory for farm visitors to comply with its Biosecurity Management Plan.
Anyone entering a designated biosecurity area without permission and without complying with the plan's requirements may be guilty of an offence under the Biosecurity Act 2015, and subject to the new, harsher penalties.
To access the new offence, farmers will need to have a biosecurity plan in place and appropriate signage.
ALSO READ:
Glencoe grazier Mike Norton was pleased by the announcement.
"This is very welcome news for farmers, to know that the government has our back when it comes to protecting our right to be primary producers," he said.
"We all worry about whether we're next for the next farm invasion, and it weighs heavily on your mind.
"It's good to know that these new laws will be really tough and hopefully deter people from interfering in what we do - we're just trying to make a living."
The new laws are being touted by the government as only the first stage of a broader suite of measures being developed, to strengthen the rights NSW farmers against farm trespassers and invasions.
"Today we're announcing the harsher penalties in the country and sending a strong warning to those who think it's okay to illegally invade farms and harass our hard-working farmers," Mr Marshall said.
"The NSW Government will also look at further ways it can deter this kind of behavior, including introducing legislation and potential gaol time for offenders.
"If you enter a farm without permission and threaten the biosecurity of that farm then you will be hit with an instant $1000 fine and could face further fines of up to $220,000 in court."
Mr Marshall said the government was determined to clamp down on illegal farm invasions and was working on additional changes with further penalties, including gaol time, for those committing criminal acts associated with farm trespass.
Farmers should contact the Department of Primary Industries or their Local Land Services office for more information.
