Application form
Scientific research and educational purposes permit
Sections 9(1)(a), 12(b) and 12(f) – Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2017
Scientific research and educational purposes permits
Important information for applicants
Applications can be made using the Department’s digital platform for online services and transactions. In some instances, online licences are granted straight away. Visit for more information.
Important information for applicants:
This form is to be used for permits to operate on:
Private land, public purposes reserves, and other estate that operates outside of protected areas (except nature refuges), outside of marine parks, outside of State forest estate, and outside of recreation areas management estate:
•Scientific purposes permit under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA);
•Educational purposes permit under the NCA;
•Permit to take, use, keep or interfere with cultural or natural resources (for scientific purposes) under the NCA (for nature refuges ONLY);
•Permit to take, use, keep or interfere with cultural or natural resources (for educational purposes) under the NCA (for nature refuges).
To apply for one of the following permits to operate withinthe protected area estate (except nature refuges) and/or within a marine park and/or within State forest estate, and/or within a recreation areas management estate, pleasecontact the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services(QPWS), here:.
- Permit to take, use, keep or interfere with cultural or natural resources (for scientific purposes) under the NCA;
- Permit to take, use, keep or interfere with cultural or natural resources (for educational purposes) under the NCA;
- Scientific purposes permit under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA);
- Educational purposes permit under the NCA;
- Permit to collect (scientific purposes) under the Forestry Act 1959;
- Permit to collect under the Forestry Act 1959.
To apply for a Collection authority (biodiscovery) under the Biodiscovery Act 2004, please review the following note. NOTE. If you propose to collect native biological material from State land or State waters for the purposes of biodiscovery (that is, for the analysis of molecular, biochemical or genetic information about native biological material for the purpose of commercialising the material; or to use the material in any way for gain), STOP - do not proceed with this form. You will need to apply for, and be granted, a Collection authority (biodiscovery) under the Biodiscovery Act 2004.
If you propose to collect native biological material for the purposes of biodiscovery from site(s) located within the protected area estate (except nature refuges), and/or within a marine park, and/or within a forest reserve, and/or within a recreation areas management area, contact the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for further details regarding applying for a Collection authority.
Collecting within the Torres Strait area, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (WTWHA) may require additional permits under Commonwealth legislation.
If you propose to collect native biological material for the purposes of biodiscovery from site(s) located outside of the above areas, please apply for a collection authority (biodiscovery) from the Department of Environment and Science using the application form and referring to the information found here:
There is no fee for a Collection authority (biodiscovery). If you are granted a collection authority (biodiscovery) you do not require an SPP or EPP regarding the collection of that native biological material.
Information that you give in this form will assist your application to be processed. Your application must be assessed under the relevant legislation. Permit/s must be granted by the chief executive before you can proceed with your proposed activity. Your application may take up to 40 business days to process.
No fees apply to these permit types.
Before submitting your application, it is recommended that you discuss your project with the permit processing officer for the relevant region for your activity. Permits and authorities for activities carried out in areas that include the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area are subject to an agreement with the Traditional Owners. This initial consultation will be undertaken by staff of the relevant department once the application has been received.
Before submitting your application for projects on protected areas under Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land (CYPAL) or other Cape York Peninsula Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUA) you must obtain written prior consent from the Corporation or Land trust to take, use, keep or interfere with cultural or natural resources (for scientific purposes or educational purposes).
If you are applying to DES, please contact the Customer Service Unit on 1300 130 372 to be transferred to the relevant permit processing officer. You should also be familiar with the requirements of the NCA and supporting legislation, available via the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website:
If your scientific or educational project involves the movement out of Queensland of a live native mammal (including a fertilised egg of a native mammal) you must obtain a wildlife movement permit before moving the animal or fertilised egg out of the State.
Terms and Conditions
Permits, licences and authorities Queensland's native wildlife is protected by legislation that aims to conserve biodiversity by protecting native plants and animals and their habitat. All native birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians are protected, along with some invertebrates (certain butterflies, spiders and scorpions), freshwater fish and the grey nurse shark.
Other aquatic species are protected by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Australian Government. A licensing system helps us protect native wildlife species. By regulating the sustainable taking, keeping, using or moving of wildlife for commercial, recreational or other purposes we contribute to the maintenance of viable wild populations of plants and animals. The type of approval(s) you will need depends upon a number of things, including:
- The nature and purpose of your proposed activity
- The tenure of the area in which you intend to undertake your activity and
- The species of wildlife concerned
To apply for permits:
- within the protected area estate (except nature refuges and special wildlife reserves) as defined in the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (e.g. national park, national park [Aboriginal land], national park [Torres Strait Island land] etc); or
- within a marine park under the Marine Parks Act 2004; or
- within State forest estate under the Forestry Act 1959 (e.g. state forests and timber reserves) please contact the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
Note: Corporations must have an office in Queensland to be eligible to apply for a wildlife authority. The Nature Conservation Act 1992 and the subordinate Nature Conservation Regulations may be found on-line on the Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website.
Your Privacy
Information you provide assists the Department of Environment and Science (DES) to administer wildlife licences, permits and authorities granted under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006.
Some information may be provided to the Departments of Agriculture and Fisheries; Health; Queensland Police Service and the Australian Defence Force in order to investigate biosecurity or health issues or allegations of unlawful activity.
Some information, where relevant, may also be sent to non-government organisations such as the RSPCA Qld and the Queensland Wildlife Rehabilitation Council for the purpose of improving standards of native animal care.
Names of all permit holders are publically available on request. Any other personal information in relation to your permit will not be disclosed to any other parties without your consent unless authorised or required by law.
More information on our commitment to privacy is available on our website. For specific privacy information or enquiries please email . For queries concerning wildlife activities please email:
1.You may only lodge this application if you have accepted the above terms and conditions
I accept the above terms and conditions.
This application is for one of the following:
A Scientific Purposes Permit (SPP)
An Educational Purposes Permit (EPP)
2.Permit activity (Please indicate which activity type you will be conducting)
Take, keep, use or interfere with cultural or natural resources - Use this application type if you wish to take, keep and use protected animals from a private protected area (e.g. Special Wildlife Reserve (SWR) or Nature Refuge (NR)) for scientific or educational purposes.
Taking or using a protected animal - Use this application type if you wish to take or use protected animals from the wild for scientific or educational purposes.
3.All questions must be answered and the applicable fees included (if required) for the application to be processed. If you do not complete all questions and sign and date the application form, your application will be returned to you as an invalid application.
4.Applicant information
A wildlife authority may only be granted to an individual or corporation (only if the corporation has an office within Queensland). Please tick the appropriate box:
AN INDIVIDUALComplete Section 4 applicant details in full — then go to section 6
AN ORGANISATIONComplete Section 5 applicant details — then go to section 6
5.Applicant details for an individual
TITLE / *first name / Middle name / *Surname / * DATE OF BIRTHMr
Mrs
Ms
Miss
Doctor
Prof
6.Applicant details for an organisation
Organisation type –
CompanyAustralian registered (foreign) bodyIncorporated association
Co-operation Government Non for profit organisation
*australian business number / * business nameCEO / ABN
7.Applicant registered / residential address
* RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS (not a post office box) / * Suburb / * State / * POST CODE(WRITE ‘AS ABOVE’’ IF SAME AS registered/RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS)
POSTAL ADDRESS / Suburb / State / POST CODE8.Applicant contact details – email or phone contact is mandatory.
EMAIL addressTick this box if you do not consent to receiving departmental correspondence by email
Phone type
Home phone Office phone
Mobile phone Facsimile / Area code / Phone number (NOTE: 10 digits including area code)
9.Location where the wildlife is to be kept.
* Physical street address ( / * Suburb / * State / * POST CODE*
10. Activity location.
To conduct research or a scientific or educational activity on a non-protected area and you don’t have a specific location for activity select "Local Government Area" (LGA) or " itinerant" for the whole of the State. However, if the activity is occuring on a protected area that is a Nature Refuge or Special Wildlife Reserve you must select the exact location by either physical street address or Lon on Plan.
* Physical street address ( / * Suburb / * State / * POST CODE*
OR
* Lot# as / * Plan#OR
lOCAL gOVERNMENT aUTHORITYOr
Itinerant (State of Qld)
11.Wildlife details
(If you require more space, attach a separate sheet of wildlife details)
COMMON NAMEGenus
Family / wILDLIFE sTATUS
SELECT ONE
live,
dead,
meat
eggs
skins
mounted specimen
parts/products / pARTS/ pRODUCTS dESCRIPTION / LOCATION / qUANTITY / Unit
SELECT ONE
%
Acres
Grams
Hectares
Individuals
Kilograms
M2
mililitres
livedeadparts/products / %acresgramshectaresindividualskilogramsm2mililitres
livedeadparts/products / %acresgramshectaresindividualskilogramsm2mililitres
livedeadparts/products / %acresgramshectaresindividualskilogramsm2mililitres
livedeadparts/products / %acresgramshectaresindividualskilogramsm2mililitres
livedeadparts/products / %acresgramshectaresindividualskilogramsm2mililitres
livedeadparts/products / %acresgramshectaresindividualskilogramsm2mililitres
livedeadparts/products / %acresgramshectaresindividualskilogramsm2mililitres
12.Wildlife Suitability
During the past three (3) years, have you been convicted of: (a) an offence against the Nature Conservation Act 1992, or (b) an animal welfare offence under the Animal Care and Protections Act 2001, or (c) an offence relating to wildlife against another Act, or an offence, however described, equivalent to an offence mentioned under (a) or (b) in another state or country?
No
Yes – An assessment officer will contact you regarding this question
13.If applicable, specify the details of your intended disposal/release of the wildlife, including an estimate of the timeframe for the release or disposal.
If the project involves the removal of animals from the wild, including animal parts, you must indicate how you intend to dispose of the wildlife, this includes the lodgement of specimens with museums or herbaria.
For live animals, DES must be consulted about disposal options. Contact your relevant permit processing officer.
Provide a summary only below, if more room is required please attach the full question response.
specify details:14.What are your relevant qualifications?.
Provide a list of your qualifications that are relevant to the application including the year and a description of the nature of the qualification e.g. Bachelor of Applied Science (Queensland University) 1997 with majors in zoology and botany with experience in field studies.
A copy of all relevant qualification(s) is attached.
Provide a summary only below, if more room is required please attach the full question response.
Detail the qualification(s):15.Project details
What is the project name?What is the proposed commencement date for the project?
What is the proposed completion date for the project?
16.Are you the CEO of a corporation or business or an independent researcher?
CEO of a corporation or business Go to question 17
Independent researcher - Go to question 17
Independent researcher – if you answer yes complete the following Project supervisors details.
Project Supervisors details
Project supervisor’s name / organisationcontact address / * Suburb / * State / * POST CODE
*
telephone (business hours) / Mobile / Email
17.Is the project sponsored by an appropriate organisation?.
The NCA requires that a project must be sponsored by an organisation that is one of the following: a recognised scientific research institution; a professional organisation involved with scientific research; or a non-profit community organisation with a genuine interest in the conservation of wildlife.
Independent researchers should obtain sponsorship from a recognised scientific research institution, or indicate why sponsorship has not been obtained.
Yes - go the question 18
No - provide reason why sponsorship has not been obtained – then go to question 20
Provide a summary only below. Attach the full question response to your completed application.
reason why sponsorship has not been obtained18.CEO statement of support
Attached is the CEO statement of support
19.Organisation sponsoring project
organisation name / organisation’s chief executive officerregistered address / * Suburb / * State / * POST CODE
*
telephone (business hours) / Email
Attached is a report providing full details of the information provided in questions 19 to 27.
20.Is there a commercial benefit
Is it either intended or likely that this project will result in the applicant, or the applicant’s supporting institution, gaining a commercial benefit of any kind through the use of biological material (or derivative of it) obtained as a result of the grainting of this permit?
This includes photography for commercial publication, e.g. books, CD-ROMS
No Go to question 21
Yes - provide details of commercial benefit
Bioprospecting involves the use of biological material (or a derivative of it) in the production of biologically or chemically active compounds for commercial gain. Please indicate whether your project contains any aspects that may relate to the collection of biological material (plant or animal) for bioprospecting purposes.
Provide a summary only below,
details of commercial benefit21.Project aims
Provide a summary only below
detail the aims of the project22.Project justification (about 200 words)
If the project requires the take of wildlife, provide specific reasons why the activities cannot be undertaken on specimens sought from captive populations. All quantities of wildlife to be taken permanently are to be fully justified.
Provide a summary only below
justification23.Project methodology
Provide a detailed summary of the methods to be employed for the proposed project including techniques, apparatus/equipment (including firearms and scheduled drugs), sampling effort including number of wildlife to be sampled etc. in 200 words or less.
If scheduled drugs are to be used within the project, the applicant must provide documentary evidence indicating authority for them to administer drugs.
methodology24.Measures to minimise impacts
Provide details of proposed structures to be erected and indicate what measures will be implemented to minimise impacts on target species.
Provide information on the likely and/or potential effects on natural resources of the project, any environmental management arrangements proposed (e.g. rehabilitation of substrate, rubbish collection and disposal) and any water quality or other monitoring to be carried out to assess the effects of the project.
Provide a summary only below.
measures25.Consultations
Provide details of any consultation that may have been conducted in relation to the proposed project and the response of community groups, conservation groups and other interested parties (e.g. has there been any support or objections?).
Provide a summary only below.
consultations26.Management outcomes
Describe any management outcomes that are likely to be derived from the proposed project that may be of relevance to DES in 200 words or less (if applicable).
This could include any information that would assist the Department with: the conservation and management of wildlife or its habitat; the eradication of feral species and weeds; the improved management of resources, both natural and cultural, and the provision of information to the public to increase their knowledge and participation in the protection of the environment.
Provide a summary only below.
management outcomes27.Does the project involve the use of vertebrae animals?
Note: If you have answered ‘yes’, you may require approval from an animal ethics committee (A.E.C). The relevant legislation is administered by Biosecurity Queensland (BQ), a service of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Please contact BQ to discuss this matter. Alternatively, if your university has its own A.E.C., you should contact that body in the first instance.
It is preferable, but not mandatory, that your project (except if limited to, for example, the trapping, banding and immediate release of wild birds) should have prior approval from an appropriate A.E.C. You are encouraged to provide a copy of the approval with this application, if it is available.
For any scientific research on birds or bats that involves banding (coloured or numbered), you are also encouraged to provide a copy of a provisional banding authority from the Bird and Bat Banding Scheme administered by the Department of the Environment and Energy in Canberra. The use or take of vertebrate animals involves (but is not restricted to) the pursuit, baiting, feeding, capture and handling of the animals.