Farm trespassers will face the toughest penalties in Australia, while farmers will have the State's first legislated 'right to farm', under legislation set to be introduced by the NSW Government.
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Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey welcomed the news that action will be taken to further deter trespass and would-be vigilantes.
"Importantly, the legislation will also - for the first time - recognise a farmer's inherent right to farm and provide safeguards against nonsense nuisance claims."
The proposed legislation will introduce:
The toughest penalties in Australia for farm trespass, including three years jail time and up to $22,000 in fines. Currently there is no jail time for trespass.
New offences and aggravating factors for activities such as trespassing as a group, damaging property and releasing livestock.
Legal recognition of a farmer's right to farm, shielding them from nuisance claims.
Deputy Premier and Leader of the NSW Nationals John Barilaro said the Bill would help address the recent rise in farm invasions.
"This legislation is all about sending the clearest possible message: farm invasion is not acceptable," Mr Barilaro said.
The Right to Farm Bill was an election commitment by the NSW Liberals & Nationals.
The Bill comes on top of regulatory changes recently introduced under the Biosecurity Act 2015, which impose further offences and large financial penalties for farm trespass that breaches on-farm biosecurity plans.