Regulations and approvals for development activities

Unless your aquaculture business meets the accepted development requirements, you will need a development approval issued under the Planning Act 2016. Find more information on applying for a development approval for aquaculture.

You will need to have a development approval if you wish to undertake:

• removal, destruction or damage of marine plants
• building or operational works in a declared fish habitat area
• aquaculture in tidal water, marine and freshwater
• waterway barrier works.

The table below summarises the types of approvals that may be required for aquaculture-related development activities. We strongly recommend that you contact Fisheries Queensland on 13 25 23 to discuss your proposal and the approvals required.

How aquaculture applications are assessed

The Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning (DILGP) is the assessment manager or referral agency for development applications where there is a mater of interest to the state under the Planning Act 2016. DILGP is the single point of lodgement for all development applications that are assessed through the State Assessment and Referral Agency.

Fisheries Queensland provides advice on those elements of your development approval application that relate to aquaculture operations (including biosecurity and health) and aquatic habitats and pest fish (including marine plants and declared fish habitat areas).

Also consider...

• For more information on assessment fees and forms for aquaculture development applications read our aquaculture fees and forms guide.