Three hazardous areas (1, 2 and 3) have been declared in Queensland to protect susceptible crops in those areas from damage from certain volatile herbicides. Volatile herbicides can affect distant plants by vapour drift. Certain volatile herbicides have restrictions placed on their use in a hazardous area.

Locations of hazardous areas

A interactive atlas shows a map of the hazardous areas in Queensland. The atlas has a search engine that lets you view detailed maps down to a cadastral parcel level (e.g. down to an individual property), showing if a property is located within a hazardous area.

The interactive atlas details the areas where the Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966 applies and where both ground and aerial distribution is regulated (regulated areas), as well as those areas where the provisions of the Act do not apply at this point in time (excluded or non-regulated areas).

These broad locations are offered as a guide only. You should access the atlas for more precise details of each area.

Hazardous area no. 1

This area comprises the total area administered by the Moreton Bay Regional Council and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. For a basic map refer to schedule 2 of the Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Regulation 2021. For precise details, access the interactive atlas.

The Restricted herbicides in this hazardous area are any herbicides containing picloram or an ester formulation of 2,4-D or MCPA.

Hazardous area no. 2

Broadly, this area consists of the Darling Downs and adjacent areas. For a basic map refer to schedule 3 of the Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Regulation 2021. For precise details, access the interactive atlas.

The Restricted herbicides in this hazardous area are any herbicides containing an ester formulation of picloram. Also, any ester formulation of 2,4-D is totally banned from use in hazardous area no. 2.

Hazardous area no. 3

Broadly, this area consists of a substantial area surrounding the town of Emerald. For a basic map refer to schedule 4 of the Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Regulation 2021. For precise details, access the interactive atlas.

The Restricted herbicides in this hazardous area are any herbicides containing an ester formulation of 2,4-D.

All applications of restricted herbicides in hazardous areas other than use by an authorised technique require a distribution permit.

A distribution permit is issued to a licensed ground distribution contractor or aerial distribution contractor. It permits ground or aerial distribution (application) of certain restricted herbicides in a hazardous area by licensed commercial operators or licensed pilots in command of aircraft. A distribution permit has conditions attached that take into account how susceptible crops are to the herbicide being used. The permit provides some protection for crops when these herbicides are applied in their vicinity.

Landholder rights in a hazardous area

In declared hazardous areas, landholders can only use a restricted herbicide on their own (or a relative's) property if:

• they use an authorised technique
• or
• they or their farming business are licensed ground distribution contractors and they hold a commercial operator's licence as well as the distribution permit.

As a landholder, if you are licensed, you would need to apply for a distribution permit. Permit applications take several weeks to be finalised because of the detailed evaluation required before the permit is issued. It may be a simpler solution to use an alternative herbicide that may be applied in a hazardous area without licences and a distribution permit.

How to apply for a distribution permit

To enquire about applying for a distribution permit, a licensed ground or aerial distribution contractor should contact our Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23. The enquiry will be passed to a specialist officer in Biosecurity Queensland who will discuss options with the contractor and provide an application form.

Also consider...

• Read the Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966.

After Biosecurity Queensland receives the application, an inspector may assess the area to be treated with the restricted herbicide and evaluate the possible impact of the spray activity before recommending the permit be granted. The permit confines herbicide distribution to specific individuals, time periods, weather conditions, spraying limitations and herbicide(s) that can be used.