Commercial interaction with protected animals
General information
If you interact with protected animals in the wild as part of your business, you will need a commercial wildlife licence (wildlife interaction), unless you hold another licence that allows you to interact with the animal.
Is my activity part of my business?
The EPA will consider the following activities to be part of your business if:
- the activity is marketed as part of your normal business;
- the activity is advertised in any brochure or advertising material and occurs at a scheduled time, even if the activity occurs infrequently;
- clients pay to participate in the activity; or
- your major business is not related to the activity, however, you derive benefit, including public notoriety, for your main business as a result of conducting the activity.
Your activity will not be considered to be a part of your business if it is opportunistic or random in nature.
You will not need a commercial wildlife licence (wildlife interaction) if you have another licence or permit that allows you to carry out the activity, including a wildlife exhibitor licence. However, the holder of a wildlife exhibitor licence must submit an interaction plan for the wildlife they intend to engage with and comply with the plan.
Guidelines and policies
Please read the information below to find out how to apply for a licence to carry out this type of activity. The information sheet includes details about fees.You can also read the legislation online by visiting the Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website.
Information sheet: Commercial wildlife licence (wildlife interaction)
Guideline: Commercial wildlife licence (wildlife interaction)
Pre-design conference service
The EPA offers a service to guide applicants through the assessment process. The service includes meeting with an EPA project manager to discuss the information that must be provided with your application.This service can be initiated by contacting the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326 or by email at eco.access@epa.qld.gov.au or completing a Pre-design conference application form. If a meeting is required to discuss your application in more detail, an EPA officer will contact you directly.
Permits and approvals
Before you apply for this type of licence, you must have an approved interaction plan. You may choose to complete the interaction plan template or prepare your own plan that considers, at a minimum, all the things in the template and any other material you consider relevant.To apply for this type of licence, you need to lodge a completed application form.
If your application is successful, you will have to comply with your interaction plan. Therefore you should make sure that you don’t embellish the extent of your activities or the commitment you make concerning dealing with wildlife conflict arising from your actions.
Forms and fees
Please download an application form or contact the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326 for assistance.Application form: Commercial wildlife licence (wildlife interaction)
Schedule of fees
Interaction plan template
Venomous snake handling training interaction plan
Last updated: 13 December 2006
