Flying-fox damage mitigation permits for crop protection
Each of Queensland’s flying-fox species is protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (the Act) administered by the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (department).
It is an offence to kill or otherwise harm a flying-fox in contravention of the Act and there are substantial penalties for those who do.
However each year, the department issues a limited number of damage mitigation permits under the Act allowing the ‘lethal take’ of flying-foxes by shooting in order to protect commercial crops.
- Only a person (landholder) who has held a flying-fox damage mitigation permit at any time since 1 September 2012 may apply.
- The Code of practice – ecologically sustainable lethal take of flying foxes for crop protection will continue to apply to the grant and operation of damage mitigation permits.
- The total number of flying-foxes that can be shot annually (the annual quota) will remain at current levels.
- The maximum number of animals allocated to a single permit will also remain the same, however the chief executive may impose lower maximums at any given time to ensure equitable access to the quota to eligible growers in a particular growing season.
- Reporting on Permit activity through Online services is encouraged as it this supports responsive management.
| Flying-fox species | Annual quota | Maximum per permit |
|---|---|---|
| Spectacled | 0 | 0 |
| Grey-headed | 130 | 8 |
| Black | 700 | 45 |
| Little red | 800 | 50 |
The department will continue to work with industry groups to manage potential risks and issues encountered by affected growers, and to monitor industry uptake of non-lethal crop protection strategies.
If you would like to receive ongoing information on this matter, please provide contact officer details to NC.Act@detsi.qld.gov.au.
Obtaining a flying-fox damage mitigation permit for crop protection
Applications must include the following information:
- The proposed wildlife species and quantities to be taken. Note: A flying-fox damage mitigation permit cannot be issued for the spectacled flying-fox which is listed as ‘endangered’ under the Act.
- Statements which outline why a damage mitigation permit is required and what economic loss has been experienced. To support an application, an estimate of income lost due to costs incurred to the crop by wildlife; or expenses incurred to pay employees to deter wildlife from crops is required to be provided.
- Advise of at least two (2) non-lethal methods which have been attempted to prevent or minimise the damage or loss, including photographs to substantiate the information provided.
- Location of the proposed disposal site.
Maximum duration of this damage mitigation permit type is three (3) months.
Reporting for a damage mitigation permit
Subject to a permit being granted, you will be required to submit a return of operations online through Online Services This report is to be updated within 72 hours of any activity occurring under this permit.
Alternatively by downloading the paper-based form and emailing this to wildlife.operations@detsi.qld.gov.au.
When NIL animals have been taken under the permit the return of operations must be submitted to the department within 10 business days upon the expiry the permit, through Online Services.
A user guide and a short video which shows you how to update and submit your return of operations online is available.
Forms
You may download an application form; contact Permits and Licencing or email palm@detsi.qld.gov.au for assistance.