Wildlife Trade Management Plan – Queensland Protected Plants 5 August 2019 – 4 August 2024.

The Wildlife Trade Management Plan for Queensland Protected Plants (2019–2024) is a statutory instrument developed under section 303FO of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act). It establishes a regulatory framework for the ecologically sustainable commercial use of native flora in Queensland, aligning with both Commonwealth and State legislative requirements, including the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld) and its subordinate regulations. The Plan applies to all native plants, defined as species indigenous to Australia, including hybrids and derivatives. These are categorised under conservation statuses ranging from extinct in the wild to least concern. The plan distinguishes between restricted plants (endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, and special least concern) and other least concern species, with the former subject to more stringent controls. Harvesting from the wild is permissible only where it satisfies the general sustainability requirement and is demonstrably ecologically sustainable. This is assessed through a sustainable harvest plan, which must address species biology, site conditions, harvest methodology, and land management practices. The plan also provides for salvage harvesting—both operational and contingent—under specific conditions. Licensing is central to the framework, with two primary types: the protected plant growing licence and the protected plant harvesting licence. These authorise the collection of whole plants or parts for propagation or trade, contingent on sustainability criteria. Exemptions exist for low-risk activities and biologically insignificant quantities, particularly for least concern species. Trade in restricted plants is regulated through mandatory record-keeping, tagging, and labelling requirements to ensure traceability and lawful sourcing. Approved trade labels and official tags are required for movement and sale, and non-compliance constitutes an offence. Monitoring and enforcement are conducted by the Department of Environment and Science (DES), supported by the Queensland Herbarium and the Species Technical Committee. Compliance activities include audits, inspections, and investigations, with enforcement actions ranging from warnings to prosecution. The Plan is adaptive, allowing for responsive amendments to conservation status, harvest limits, and regulatory controls based on emerging threats, scientific data, or shifts in commercial demand. It also promotes public education and industry engagement to support conservation outcomes and regulatory compliance.