Scientific research, educational or conservation purposes permits – conducted within QPWS areas
Undertaking scientific research, educational or conservation activities within the protected area estate will require a permit if your activity proposes the taking, usage, keeping or interference with cultural or natural resources.
Examples of common scientific research that may be undertaken in protected areas include:
- a PhD student catching and releasing fauna for a specific research project
- a university studying invertebrates
- a museum studying the taxonomy of reptile species
- a researcher collecting water, rock or soil samples for a study.
Examples of educational activities that may be undertaken in protected areas include:
- a university group going to a national park to learn about fauna survey methods
- a high school going to a national park to study water quality or geology.
Examples of activities that may be undertaken for conservation purposes in protected areas include:
- a conservation organisation specialising in natural resource management collecting seeds to ensure an endangered species is protected from extinction
- the collection of seed or propagative plant material that may benefit the species by establishing new populations outside national parks as part of rehabilitation projects on degraded land (such as, in offset projects).
Applying for a scientific research, educational or conservation purposes permit
If you require a permit, applications are completed online using Online Services. Be sure to have the following information on hand to complete your application:
- project details, including the justification of the project, the methodology, any measures to be used to minimise impacts, details of any consultation undertaken, and management outcomes
- applicant information, including contact names and numbers, any additional authorisations, site contacts, sponsors, and supervisors
- activities and locations of proposed activities
- other details, including information on any structure(s) or equipment used, required transport, the place where wildlife/resources will be kept and/or the place where wildlife/resource will be disposed of, applicant’s qualifications, commercial benefit details, and referee details
- for research occurring on protected areas that are within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, prior engagement with the Traditional Owners of the research area should be attempted, and an Application for Research Endorsement (ARE) should be submitted along with the permit application.
Learn more about Online Services.
Deciding your application
- Applications usually take up to 40 business days to decide, unless we receive a higher than usual volume of applications.
- If we need to ask you for further information or documents to support your application, it could take at least a further 20 business days to decide your application.
- Applications may either be granted with conditions or refused based on legislative or policy reasons.
Prior to commencing research
Access into the authorised areas may be restricted from time to time (and at short notice) due to park management, severe weather, or safety concerns. The authority holder should check Park alerts and Public notices for each protected area or State Forest, prior to commencement of activities or receive Park Alert and Public Notice updates by:
- Following @QldParkAlerts on X (Twitter)
- Subscribing to one of the park alerts RSS feeds
- Subscribing to Public notices and consultations
If you are granted a permit, you must notify the department of your planned research at least seven days prior to arrival. This is done by completing the Research field work notification form.
Reporting research for scientific, educational or conservation purposes
Subject to each permit granted, you may be required to submit annual reports and/or return of operations through Online Services. View these documents:
- Return of operations for Scientific, Educational and Conservation Activities
- Report - Research for Scientific, Educational and Conservation activities