Hunting or killing birds
In Queensland, all native animals including reptiles, amphibians, mammals, marsupials and birds are protected. They cannot be harmed or injured in any way, including trapping them, or stealing their eggs or disturbing their nests. Refer to the Queensland legislation, Nature Conservation Act 1992.
THERE ARE SUBSTANTIAL PENALTIES FOR HARMING OR KILLING NATIVE BIRDS OR ANIMALS.
Albatross Threat Abatement Plan Boundary
Birds Qld was a lone voice in the campaign to move the Albatross Threat Abatement Plan boundary north from Coffs Harbour to the top of Fraser Island. Federal Environment Minister Hon. Peter Garrett announced the change to move the boundary following a report in BQ’s scientific journal “Sunbird” that showed over 38 albatrosses from 12 species had been washed up on Fraser Island’s beach between 1996 and 2002 (a further 17 had been recorded prior to 1996). Many of these birds were found with hooks in their throats, beaks cut off etc., leaving little doubt fishing practices were to blame.
Recreational shooting of ducks and quails banned in Queensland
Birds Qld can take credit for calling together the Duck and Quail Alliance which finally put an end to the barbaric practice of so‑called recreational shooting of Ducks & Quails in Queensland. Following decades of fruitless campaigning as individual groups the Alliance, made up from Birds Qld, Wildlife QId, RSPCA, Qld Conservation Council, and Animal Lib QId, was successful in convincing Environment Minister, Hon. Lindy Nelson‑Carr to legislate to amend the Nature Conservation Act.
This effectively assured any future moves to re-introduce this out-dated practice would need to be debated in Parliament. It is expected this historic decision would finally tip the balance in the southern states of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, where duck hunting is still practiced.
Government permits
At times the government permits certain people to kill certain animals or birds if they consider the animal or bird exists in extremely large numbers in an area and if that animal or bird is causing damage to people, to crops or to the environment. Permits are granted to kill certain species of Kangaroos as it is considered they are not endangered and there is economic benefit to the shooters.
Permits are very occasionally granted to destroy some bird species when great numbers are doing considerable damage to crops.
Permits are not issued for the recreational hunting of duck and quail.
