Phased repeal of flying-fox damage mitigation permits for crop protection
Each of Queensland’s flying-fox species is protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (the Act) administered by the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (department).
It is an offence to kill or otherwise harm a flying-fox in contravention of the Act and there are substantial penalties for those who do.
However each year, the department issues a limited number of damage mitigation permits under the Act allowing the ‘lethal take’ of flying-foxes by shooting in order to protect commercial crops.
The phase-out of flying-fox damage mitigation permits commenced on 1 July 2023.
From 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026:
- only a person who has held a flying-fox damage mitigation permit between 1 September 2012 and 30 June 2023 may apply
- the annual quota of flying-foxes that can be shot, and maximum quota per permit, have been reduced by between 80% to 90%, depending on the species.
From 1 July 2026, permits to shoot flying-foxes for crop protection purposes will no longer be available.
What this means:
- The three-year adjustment period for the phase out of lethal take permits will give growers time to transition exclusively to non-lethal crop protection.
- The immediate reduction in the number of flying-foxes that can be shot annually ensures ‘take levels’ during the phase-out period do not exceed levels currently permitted.
- The annual quota is higher than the average number of animals reported shot, over the past five (5) years but the maximum number of animals allocated to individual permits has been reduced to ensure equitable access to lethal take over the entire fruit growing season across Queensland (refer to table below).
- The Code of practice - ecologically sustainable lethal take of flying foxes for crop protection which applies to the grant and operation of lethal take permits, has been amended to reflect the new arrangements.
Flying fox species | Up to 30 June 2023 | From 1 July 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Annual quota | Average shot/year | Maximum per permit | Annual quota | Maximum per permit | |
Spectacled | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Grey-headed | 1280 | 10 | 60 | 130 | 8 |
Black | 3500 | 250 | 90 | 700 | 45 |
Little red | 4000 | 150 | 90 | 800 | 50 |
During the phase-out period, the department will continue to work with industry groups to manage potential risks and issues encountered by affected growers, monitor industry progress towards transitioning to non-lethal crop protection strategies and provide further support where practicable.
If you would like to receive ongoing information on this matter, please provide contact officer details to NC.Act@des.qld.gov.au
Obtaining a flying-fox damage mitigation permit for crop protection
The purpose of this permit type is to provide commercial crop growers with an additional form of crop protection only where non-lethal measures have been attempted. It is a requirement that fruit growers use lethal measures in conjunction with two (2) other non-lethal practices, such as netting, as part of an effective integrated crop protection strategy.
Non-lethal control of flying-foxes
The department encourages the use of flying-fox deterrents that are non-lethal. These include:
- netting
- sound
- light
- smoke
- movement
- alternative method.
Full exclusion netting is considered to be the most effective method for protecting crops from flying-foxes. The Australian Government’s Horticultural Netting Program – Trial Expansion offers a rebate to horticulture growers for the purchase and installation of netting.
For more details about non-lethal deterrents, refer to: Code of practice—Ecologically sustainable lethal take of flying-foxes for crop protection or protecting crops from wildlife.
Applications must include the following information:
- The proposed wildlife species and quantities to be taken. Note: A flying-fox damage mitigation permit cannot be issued for the spectacled flying-fox which is listed as ‘endangered’ under the Act.
- Statements which outline why a damage mitigation permit is required and what economic loss has been experienced. To support an application, an estimate of income lost due to costs incurred to the crop by wildlife; or expenses incurred to pay employees to deter wildlife from crops is required to be provided.
- Advise of at least two (2) non-lethal methods which have been attempted to prevent or minimise the damage or loss, including photographs to substantiate the information provided.
- Location of the proposed disposal site.
- A list of the person(s) operating under the permit.
Maximum duration of this damage mitigation permit type is three (3) months.
Pre-lodgement service
Anyone considering applying for a damage mitigation permits to protect a crop can arrange a meeting with the department to discuss their issues before they apply. This meeting will outline the information requirements of the application.
To arrange a meeting, please contact Permits and Licencing or email palm@des.qld.gov.au
Permits and approvals
To apply for a flying-fox damage mitigation permit, you will need to lodge a completed application form.
There are two ways to do this – online or using a paper-based form.
- Online (via Online Services)
In order to access Online Services either log into Online Services (if already registered) or register with Online Services first. - Use of a paper-based form downloaded.
You may download the application form which contains instructions on its completion. If you have any queries about how to complete this form correctly or need guidance, please contact Permits and Licensing on 1300 130 372 option 4 or email palm@des.qld.gov.au
Deciding your application
- Applications may take up to 40 business days to process.
- If we need to ask you for further information or documents to support your application, it could take a further 20 business days from when you respond to the request to decide your application.
- The more comprehensive and detailed your application is, the more promptly the department is able to make a decision.
- Applications may either be granted with conditions or refused based on legislative or policy requirements.
Reporting for a damage mitigation permit
Subject to a permit being granted, you will be required to submit a return of operations online through Online Services or by downloading the paper-based form and emailing this to wildlife.operations@des.qld.gov.au
The return of operations is required to be submitted to the department within 10 business days upon the expiry the permit, including when NIL animals have been taken under the permit.
A user guide and a short video which shows you how to update and submit your return of operations online is available.
Forms
You may download an application form; contact Permits and Licencing or email palm@des.qld.gov.au for assistance.
- Code of practice—Ecologically sustainable lethal take of flying-foxes for crop protection
- Application form—Ecologically sustainable lethal take of flying-foxes for crop protection
- Return of operations—Damage mitigation permit (lethal take of flying-foxes for crop protection)
Summary of damage mitigation permits issued for the lethal take of flying-foxes for crop protection for the 2022/23 growing season ending 30 June 2023.
| Applications received | Applications approved |
|---|---|
| 13 | 13 |
| Total | 8,780 | |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Quota | Quota unallocated |
| Black flying-fox | 3,500 | 2,535 |
| Little red flying-fox | 4,000 | 3,055 |
| Grey-headed flying-fox | 1,280 | 950 |
Summary of damage mitigation permits issued for the lethal take of flying-foxes for crop protection from 2012/2013 to 2022/23 growing seasons ending 30 June 2023.
| Year | No. of damage mitigation permits approved | Quota | Quota unallocated | % of allocation shot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 13 | 8,780 | 6,540 | |
| 2021/22 | 13 | 8,780 | 6,720 | |
| 2020/21 | 13 | 8,780 | 6,670 | |
| 2019/20 | 17 | 8,780 | 6,210 | |
| 2018/19 | 15 | 8,780 | 6,650 | |
| 2017/18 | 21 | 8,780 | 6,110 | |
| 2016/17 | 18 | 8,780 | 5,910 | 9.4 |
| 2015/16 | 16 | 8,780 | 6,105 | 17.7 |
| 2014/15 | 14 | 10,580 | 8,220 | 14 |
| 2013/14 | 16 | 10,580 | 7,660 | 23 |
| 2012/13 | 10 | 10,580 | 8,635 | 16 |