Collecting biological native resources—Biodiscovery
Biodiscovery involves the collection of small amounts of native biological resources (e.g. plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms that are native to Australia) and subsequent screening to identify bioactive compounds that may be used for commercial purposes (e.g. pharmaceuticals and insecticides). Biodiscovery activities are regulated under the Biodiscovery Act 2004.
Any biodiscovery entity wanting to collect and use native biological resources from State Lands or Queensland waters for biodiscovery purposes is required to obtain a collection authority (biodiscovery) from the department as indicated below.
The holder of a collection authority (biodiscovery), and their agents, are able to collect the native biological resources specified on their collection authority. Collection is to be consistent with all conditions listed on the authority and the compliance code for collection of native biological resources for biodiscovery.
The holder of a collection authority cannot commence biodiscovery (including collecting and using the native biological material) until they have also negotiated a Benefit Sharing Agreement with the State. For further information on approvals required under the Biodiscovery Act 2004, see Biodiscovery in Queensland on the Business Queensland site.
Applicant's kit
- Information sheet: Biodiscovery collection
- Compliance code for taking native biological material under a collection authority
- Application: Collection authority (biodiscovery)
For collection in a Protected Area or Forest Reserve contact us.
Other resources
The following departmental resources are available as indicated.
- Report: Biodiscovery collection report template
- Information sheet – Collection report
- Operational policy: Issuing and administering biodiscovery collection authorities
Available from the library catalogue
The documents referred to on this page are available from the department's online library catalogue.