Environmental laws and codes for agribusiness

If not managed appropriately, intensive agriculture can damage the environment by, for example, contaminating surrounding land or water, or through noise and odour.

Environmental regulations are in place that are industry-specific and protect specific environmental values.

Read about your business environmental obligations and duties to help you understand your general environmental duty, as well as your duty to notify of environmental harm.

Reef protection regulations

• Check if your farm is operating in the reef regions.
• Find out how to meet the reef protection regulations.
• Read requirements for new or expanded commercial cropping and horticulture activities in the Great Barrier Reef catchment.

Vegetation management

• Understand the legal requirements of managing native vegetation on your property.
• Find out about regulations and approvals for removal of marine plants and activities in aquatic or fish habitats.
• Learn about requirements for clearing protected plants under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Wildlife regulations

• You may require a permit, licence or authority to collect, keep, harvest or manage wildlife.
• Be aware of the strict regulations on the international trade of wildlife.
• Check the koala conservation protections for South East Queensland.

Planning and development

• Learn about environmental licences and permits for changing or developing heritage places, and managing contaminated land or waste for business.
• Find out about Queensland's planning and development system.
• Use our land use and mapping tools to find information relevant to your proposed development or investment.
• Learn if you will need an approval for your activity or development under the Australian Government's Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Manage environmental impacts

• Cattle in feedlots
• Poultry farms
• Piggeries