For the record, there is a pdf 3 column brochure on the Qld EPA / QPWS
website regarding its review. I have tried to reconstruct most of the
brochure in text format. If you are interested, have a look at the
website:
http://www.env.qld.gov.au/environment/new/consultation/
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Towards more practical legislation for keeping and using native wildlife
Background
Legislation introduced in 1992 and 1994 established
a framework to manage the keeping and use of native
animals to support the conservation of nature.
In practice, some aspects of the laws have been difficult
to administer, not resulting in benefits for conserving wildlife
and not meeting client needs.
Potentially, a number of changes to the law could result in
a simpler administrative approach while not detracting from
the overall purpose.
This brochure canvasses some of the major topics involved
and invites community comment.
Desired outcomes
£ continue to provide for effective native
wildlife conservation
£ minimise ?red tape?
£ easy for clients to understand and follow
£ reduced confusion with national and
interstate regulations
£ scope for self-regulation
Key topics
The following eight key topics have been identified as a focus
for this review:
£ licensing
£ keeping and use schedules
£ administration
£ movement of wildlife
£ exotic birds
£ dead wildlife/wildlife parts
£ compliance monitoring
£ injured wildlife
Licensing
Current legislation provides for nine types of wildlife licence.
Fewer licence types might provide a simpler system and
better meet client needs. For example, an individual might be
required to obtain one licence rather than several.
Licensing can be based on the types of species held.
For example, more licence exemptions could apply for
captive-bred species of no conservation concern.
Currently, licensing exemptions are determined partly
on the numbers of animals bought or sold. Number limits
might be removed provided animal housing and welfare
requirements continue to be met.
Alternatively, licensing might be based simply on recreational
use or commercial dealing. Licences could
be determined through a threshold in numbers of animals
traded or the clear indication of a business operation.
Are there too many licence types?
Should more species be licence-exempt?
Keeping and use schedules
Current legislation includes eight schedules of animals which
can be kept and used. These could be amalgamated to as
few as three to provide a simpler system better focused on
conservation objectives. Schedules should reflect the types
and attributes of species, current conservation concerns, and
the requisite levels of knowledge and management required
for each.
Are current schedules relevant?
Should more or fewer species be allowed to be kept?
Administration
Advantage should be taken of electronic technology to better
manage the keeping and use of wildlife. This could include
electronic lodging of applications, issuing of licences,
monitoring of returns, and access to information. This could
reduce the administrative workload, improve client service
and so reduce pressure for fee rises in the longer term.
Would you use Internet and e-mail facilities?
What current administrative processes
need changing?
Movement of wildlife
Processes involved in the movement of wildlife should be
streamlined to increase self-administration, remove
unnecessary requirements for record keeping, and simplify
the fee structure. These changes, with electronic
administration, may reduce or eliminate the need for
movement records within the state.
How would you improve the current movement
permit process?
Exotic birds
Responsibility for managing exotic birds in Queensland
should be clarified and assigned to the most appropriate
authority. With this will come a decision as to which birds can
be kept and under what licensing structure.
Which organisation should regulate the keeping
of exotic birds?
What system should be adopted?
Dead wildlife/wildlife parts
The definition of? wildlife product? might be widened to
remove unnecessary licensing and movement constraints
involving dead wildlife and wildlife parts. This would reduce
administrative requirements and provide for a greater ability to
use these products.
How for example should the use of feathers,
taxidermied specimens and shells be controlled?
Compliance
Where possible, advantage should be taken of electronic
and biological advancements in technology to better manage
the keeping and use of wildlife. DNA sampling and
microchipping identification are widely recognised tools to
assist monitoring and deter illegal trade in wildlife. Their use
should be discretionary according to species and
circumstances.
How can this technology best be used to
manage captive wildlife?
Injured wildlife
The permit system might be made more flexible to support
greater community recognition of wildlife carers and provide
opportunities for self-regulation. Best practice should be
adopted to ensure orphaned, sick and injured wildlife receive
proper care.
How can the process of caring for wildlife be
made more flexible?
Other topics
Have other topics of direct interest not been covered? If not,
please let us know during the consultation period and these
will be considered.
Process
Over three months, QPWS is consulting with people
interested in the recreational and commercial use
of wildlife.
Public meetings are being held to discuss the major topics
and help identify and resolve current concerns.
All comments and suggestions made at meetings and in
writing will be reviewed and considered. Legislative changes
will then be recommended to the Minister for Environment
and Heritage.
Further information
You might like to contact representatives on the Recreational
and Commercial Animal Management Advisory Committee
(RACAMAC) to express your views.
You can also discuss aspects of any of these topics with
a QPWS Wildlife Ranger.
Contact details are list
Invitation
We want to hear from you. Written submissions
and comments must be received by 6 April 2001 to
be considered.
Address them to:
Wildlife Co-ordinator
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
PO Box 155
BRISBANE ALBERT STREET QLD 4002
Please mark the envelope file no. BNE1668.
? for community interest
and discussion about recreational
and commercial use of wildlife
in Queensland
Disclaimer
This brochure has been prepared for discussion and comment.
It does not commit the Queensland Government or the Queensland
Parks and Wildlife Service to the views expressed
or to any future action.
The information does not necessarily represent Government policy.
Publication indicates the proposals are under consideration and are
open for public discussion.
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