Biodiscovery

Biodiscovery involves the collection of small amounts of native biological resources (e.g. plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms that are native to Australia) and subsequent screening to identify bioactive compounds that may be used for commercial purposes (e.g. pharmaceuticals and insecticides). Biodiscovery activities are regulated under the Biodiscovery Act 2004.

Any biodiscovery entity wanting to collect and use native biological resources from State Lands or Queensland waters for biodiscovery purposes is required to obtain a collection authority (biodiscovery) from the department.

The holder of a collection authority (biodiscovery), and their agents, are able to collect the native biological resources specified on their collection authority. Collection is to be consistent with all conditions listed on the authority and the compliance code for collection of native biological resources for biodiscovery.

Last updated: 18 October 2005

Plants and animals

• Application forms
• Biodiscovery
• Commercial taking and use of protected plants
• Commercial use of animals
• Guidelines
• Information sheets
• Land management
• Moving wildlife
• Operational policies
• Recreational use of animals
• Recreational use of plants and use for conservation purposes
• Reference collections and military survival exercises
• Rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned animals
• Return of operations
• Scientific research or educational activities

Related information

• Information sheet: Biodiscovery collection
• Compliance code for taking native biological material under a collection authority
• Application: Collection authority (biodiscovery)
• Guideline: Completing an application for a collection authority (biodiscovery)
• Application: Request for internal review of an original decision