Collecting biological native resources—Biodiscovery

Reform of the Biodiscovery Act 2004

On 30 September 2020, amendments to the Biodiscovery Act 2004 came into force.

Key amendments include introducing protections for traditional knowledge used in biodiscovery and removal of the requirement for a Biodiscovery Plan. For details on the amendments, see the Reform of the Biodiscovery Act 2004.

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 as indicated below.

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.

The holder of a collection authority cannot commence biodiscovery (including collecting and using the native biological material) until they have also negotiated a Benefit Sharing Agreement with the State. For further information on approvals required under the Biodiscovery Act 2004, see Biodiscovery in Queensland on the Business Queensland site.

Applicant's kit

For collection in a Protected Area or Forest Reserve contact us.

Other resources

The following departmental resources are available as indicated.

Available from the library catalogue

The documents referred to on this page are available from the department's online library catalogue.