Recreational harvesting of protected plants
General information
Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, harvesting protected plants (whole native plants and plant parts) for recreational or conservation uses is regulated through a licensing system. Native plants are can be harvested from the wild in different forms including:
- whole plants
- seed or other propagating material
- other plant parts such as cut-flower or foliage
A recreational wildlife harvesting licence allows the holder to take a protected plant in the wild for personal or recreational use. This may include selling or giving the plant to another person, provided the activity is not done for a commercial purpose.
If you are intending to use plants or plant parts that you harvest for a commercial purpose, you will need a commercial wildlife harvesting licence.
Guidelines and policies
Please read the information below to find out how to apply for a licence to carry out this type of activity. The information sheet includes details about fees.
You can also read the legislation online by visiting the Office of Queensland Parliamentary Counsel website.
- Information sheet: Recreational wildlife harvesting licence (protected plants)
- Guideline: Completing a salvage plan to harvest whole protected plants (see availability)
Permits and approvals
Recreational harvesting licences may be issued for recreational or conservation purposes.
A harvesting licence may be required before harvesting protected plants in the wild. When applying for a harvesting licence, you must be able to demonstrate that the proposed harvest is ecologically sustainable.
All harvesting, whether or not a licence is required, must comply with the Code of practice for the taking and use of protected plants except in the circumstances specified in the Nature Conservation (Protected Plants) Conservation Plan 2000. The code provides standards for people involved in taking, keeping and using protected plants in Queensland.
Forms and fees
Please download an application form; contact Permit and Licence Management or email palm@ehp.qld.gov.au for assistance.
Available from the library catalogue
The document referred to on this page is available from the department’s online library catalogue.
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