Farming certain wildlife

General information

A wildlife farming licence issued under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 is required to keep, breed and use certain species of wildlife for farming. The only wildlife species that can be farmed in Queensland are emus, crocodiles, some invertebrates, and venomous snakes.

You can also read the legislation online by visiting the Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel.

Pre-lodgement service

The department offers a service to guide applicants through the assessment process. The service includes meeting with a departmental project manager to discuss the information that must be provided with your application.

This service can be initiated by contacting Permits and Licensing or by email at palm@des.qld.gov.au or completing a Pre-design conference application form. If a meeting is required to discuss your application in more detail, a departmental officer will contact you directly.

Permits and approvals

To apply for this type of licence, you need to lodge a completed application form.

There are additional legal requirements for farming wildlife for meat production for human consumption or for the use of animal products (including venom) for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. You should make sure that you discuss any such proposal with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries or the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) if required. Failure to engage these departments during the concept phase may delay your activities.

There are two codes of practice adopted under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 concerning wildlife farming. If you get a wildlife farming licence for emus or crocodiles, you will have to comply with these codes:

In addition to the code of practice, there is the Crocodile Farming Compliance Plan 2016. While intended for internal departmental use, farms can also use this as a guide. The Crocodile Farm Compliance Plan 2016 outlines the departments approach to compliance which supports departmental obligations under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and the Wildlife Trade Management Plan – Queensland Crocodile Farming and Crocodile Egg Harvesting (2023–28).

Holders of Wildlife Farming Licences for crocodiles are required to submit an Annual Crocodile Farming Statement that details activities undertaken for the previous calendar year, to be submitted by 31 March each year. This is in addition to the required Return of operations.

Forms and fees

Please download an application form; contact Permits and Licensing or email palm@des.qld.gov.au for assistance.