What will change? 

At the heart of the new laws is the introduction of a general biosecurity obligation, meaning all Queenslanders must play their part in managing weeds, pest animals and contaminants on their property and prevent them from spreading.

So whether it’s in your own backyard or on the farm, you are responsible for these biosecurity risks.

Before you move plants, soil, cattle and equipment, you need to check the maps for new biosecurity zones. Specific movement restrictions apply to individual biosecurity zones to ensure you don’t spread plant and animal pests and diseases, such as banana diseases, cattle ticks, and fire and electric ants.

If you own a horse you need to record its movements. This helps trace movements to prevent the spread of disease in an outbreak.

If you own one or more livestock or beehive, or 100 or more designated birds, even as a hobbyist you need to register them with Biosecurity Queensland.

Further changes have been made to laws regarding exhibited animals. The Exhibited Animals Act 2015 modernises and streamlines the regulation of exhibited animals in Queensland and applies to anyone who wishes to exhibit and deal with animals in either a fixed or a mobile exhibit. Previously, the exhibition of native wildlife and exotic species was regulated under four different Acts and six separate licensing schemes. The Exhibited Animals Act is a ‘fit for purpose’ Act with a single licence that is valid for up to 3 years.

Detailed zone maps, movement restrictions and registration requirements are all available at biosecurity.qld.gov.au, or contact our call centre for more information on 13 25 23.