Damage mitigation permits

Queensland’s native wildlife is protected by the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (the Act) and regulations to ensure the conservation of nature. A licence, permit or authority is required to take, keep and use many native plants and animals.

From time to time, wildlife and humans come into conflict for a range of reasons. The Act recognises that in some situations, it is necessary to take wildlife to minimise damage or loss of property (e.g. crops) or to protect human health or wellbeing.

A damage mitigation permit allows a person to take wildlife in such circumstances. To be eligible for a damage mitigation permit, applicants will need to demonstrate that there is a real need to take the wildlife, and that they have taken reasonable steps to mitigate the damage caused by the wildlife.

There are three (3) types of damage mitigation permits that are available under the Act:

This permit allows the safe and humane removal of native animals that pose a threat to human health or wellbeing. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to identify, handle, and relocate the specific species they nominate.

Animal groups covered under this permit

  • Reptiles (including goannas and venomous snakes)
  • Birds (e.g. magpies, butcher birds, and other swooping birds)
  • Possums
  • Australian brush turkeys
  • Microbats

What you need to include in your application

  • Training and experience
    • Details of relevant training courses completed.
    • A description of your skills in identifying and handling the nominated species.
  • Facilities and equipment
    • Information about the cages, transport boxes, and equipment to be used.
  • Referee reports
    • Two (2) reports from qualified individuals who can verify your experience.
  • Proof of vaccination (if applicable)
    • For example, a rabies vaccination for handling microbats.
  • Mandatory documents
    • Photos of facilities and equipment.
    • A current resume with qualifications.

Additional requirements for reptiles

  • A current first aid certificate.
  • A recognised reptile handling course completion certificate.

For full details on requirements, refer to the application form.

Additional guidance

  • Applicants without experience are encouraged to contact a current damage mitigation permit holder to obtain experience.
  • If you are unsure if you meet the minimum requirements to be issued a damage mitigation permit, you are encouraged to contact the department prior to lodging an application.

Permit duration

  • Maximum of three (3) years.

Only individuals who held a flying-fox damage mitigation permit between 1 September 2012 and 30 June 2023 may apply.

For more information, see: Flying-fox damage mitigation permits for crop protection.

This permit is for managing protected animals that:

  • cause damage to property, or
  • pose a threat to human health or safety.

The permit allows the holder to:

  • lethally take protected animals, including harvest macropod species
  • tamper with breeding places of protected animals (only when combined with lethal take).

What you need to include in your application

  • Which wildlife will be taken
    • List the species and the number of animals you want to take.
    • Explain your knowledge and experience in identifying these animals.
  • Why you need the permit
    • For economic loss, describe the harm caused (e.g. damage to crops, pastures, fences, or water points). Provide evidence such as:
      • Estimated income lost due to reduced stocking rates.
      • Costs for repairing fences or irrigation.
      • Expenses for employees to deter wildlife.
    • For health or safety risks, explain the threat (e.g. illness from zoonotic diseases or injury risks from aggressive animals).
  • What non-lethal methods you have tried
    • Detail at least two methods you used to prevent damage or harm.
  • Landholder consent
    • If you are not the landholder, include a signed statement from the landholder allowing lethal take on their property.

Additional information

Harvest macropods
  • Applications involving harvest macropod species (that is, red kangaroo, common wallaroo, or eastern grey kangaroo) will be assessed using the Macropod Damage Mitigation Permit Assessment Guideline to ensure sustainability.
  • If applying for a second or third permit within the same harvest period (1 January to 31 December), provide evidence that damage is ongoing. Evidence may include recent:
    • Photographs of pasture damage.
    • Receipts for supplementary feed for livestock.
    • Receipts or photos of deterrents used (e.g. noise-making devices or fencing).
    • Signed affidavits detailing mitigation efforts.

    • Refer to the application form for more details.

Property management plans

If you want a permit lasting up to three (3) years, you will need an approved property management plan.

An approved property management plan is defined under the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020 (Animals Regulation) as a plan that:

  • manages land while conserving wildlife
  • is approved by the department.

The plan provides a framework that supports sustainable land use while protecting wildlife.

Note:

  • Harvest macropod species cannot be included in an approved property management plan. These species are managed under a separate conservation plan with quotas and population surveys to ensure humane and sustainable practices.

To apply, download the property management plan template and include it with your application.

Permit duration

  • One (1) year: Standard damage mitigation permits, including those for harvest macropods, are valid for up to one year.
  • Three (3) years: Damage mitigation permits tied to an approved property management plan can last up to three (3) years. However, this does not apply to harvest macropods, which are always managed under annual permits.

Strategic airports designated under the State Planning Policy are exempt from requiring a damage mitigation permit under the Animals Regulation.

Conditions for exemption

  • Lethal take is permitted without approval if it aligns with Animals Regulation criteria.
  • Reasonable efforts must first be made to minimise threats.
  • Actions must not endanger the species’ survival in the wild.

Preparing and submitting your application

How to apply

Processing times

  • Standard processing: Up to 40 business days
  • Additional information requests: May extend processing by 20 business days.
  • Ensure your application is detailed and comprehensive for faster processing.

Reporting obligations

Permit holders must submit a return of operations every three months and within 10 business days after the permit expires (even for NIL returns).

Submission options

User Guide and Video Tutorial for Return Submissions

Contact information

For further assistance or clarification, contact the Permits and Licensing unit: