Interactions with protected animals

    What this licence allows

    If you interact with protected animals in the wild as part of your business, you will need an interaction licence, unless you hold another licence that allows you to interact with the animal.

    Is my activity part of my business?

    The following activities are considered part of your business if the activity:

    • is marketed as part of your normal business
    • is advertised in any brochure or advertising material and occurs at a scheduled time, even if the activity occurs infrequently
    • if clients pay to participate in the activity
    • is not related to your major business however, you derive benefit, including public recognition, for your main business as a result.

    Your activity is not considered as part of your business if it is opportunistic or random in nature.

    An interaction licence is not required if you have another licence or permit authorising the activity. For example, an exhibited animals authority issued by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries or a research permit.

    To read the legislation online visit the Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website.

    Before you apply

    Before lodging your application, make sure you have:

    • identified the animals you want to interact with
    • considered where and how the interactions will occur
    • obtained landholder consent if required
    • gathered any relevant qualifications, certifications, insurance and supporting information
    • developed an interaction plan.

    What you need to include in your application

    Provide details about:

    • the species and the number of animals interacting with
    • your knowledge and experience interacting with these animals
    • consideration of hygiene and safety protocols
    • activity location and signage and education
    • any relevant qualifications or certifications
    • approved interaction plan template
    • what will happen to the animals if the interaction ceases
    • any Code of Practice that is applicable to your activity (for example Code of Practice – Commercial crocodile viewing)
    • if this licence has a fee, refer to schedule of fees and is issued for a period of 1 year.

    Preparing and submitting your application

    If you need assistance before lodging your application, you can request a pre-design conference application form.

    How to apply

    or

    Applications may take up to 40 business days to process.

    Need help?

    Contact Permit and Licence Management:

    Reporting obligations

    Licence holders must:

    • keep records of interaction activities
    • submit a return of operations every twelve months and within 10 business days after the permit expires (even for NIL returns)
    • maintain records that support submitted returns.

    Returns can be submitted through:

    Related information

    Other considerations for your wildlife interaction activity refer to Avian influenza (bird flu) and biosecurity management plan on the Business Queensland website.