Queensland seeks feedback on biosecurity rules
Queensland is reviewing biosecurity rules, with industry and community feedback open until Friday 29 May 2026.
What’s happening?
Consultation is now open on a review of Queensland’s Biosecurity Regulation 2016.
The Queensland Government is reviewing the Regulation before it expires.
The review will assess whether the rules remain efficient, effective and up to date.
Industry and community members are being invited to have their say.
The consultation is part of a comprehensive sunset review.
The review will help decide which rules should stay, be updated, or be removed.
It also aims to keep biosecurity protections strong while reducing red tape where possible.
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has worked with industry stakeholders on possible improvements.
That work helped shape an impact analysis statement outlining proposed changes.
Why it matters?
Queensland’s Biosecurity Regulation 2016 has helped protect the state for the past 10 years.
It has supported protections for the environment, key industries and local communities.
The Regulation also sets requirements for how people can meet their general biosecurity obligations.
Those obligations help prevent or minimise biosecurity risks.
DPI Acting Deputy Director-General Biosecurity Michael Reid said the review shows why Queensland’s framework must remain ready.
“For the past 10 years, the Biosecurity Regulation 2016 has played a key role in protecting our state from biosecurity threats, safeguarding our environment, industries and communities,” Mr Reid said.
“This sunset review is a chance to maintain and improve protections against diseases, improve biosecurity risk management and modernise outdated rules to meet the needs of Queenslanders today.
“We encourage all Queenslanders to review the proposed changes and share their feedback. Your input will help shape the future of biosecurity in our state.”
Local Impact
The review matters for Queensland industries, growers, beekeepers and communities exposed to biosecurity risks.
Proposed updates could change how some rules apply across different sectors.
Beekeepers, citrus growers and banana growers are among those specifically named in the proposed changes.
For local communities, the review is about keeping protections clear, current and practical.
It also gives Queenslanders a direct way to comment before the Regulation is updated or replaced.
By the numbers
The Biosecurity Regulation 2016 has been in place for 10 years, supporting protections across Queensland.
Submissions on the review close on Friday, 29 May 2026, giving the public a clear deadline.
Three sectors are specifically named in proposed rule changes, including beekeepers, citrus growers and banana growers.
Zoom In
The review found that the Regulation is generally working well.
However, DPI has identified areas where rules could be improved.
Key proposed updates include enhanced biosecurity risk management.
They also include stronger protections against certain diseases.
Other changes aim to simplify rules for beekeepers, citrus growers and banana growers.
The review also proposes refining and clarifying existing rules.
That would help improve understanding of biosecurity requirements.
Zoom Out
Biosecurity rules help manage risks that can affect agriculture, trade, the environment and communities.
Queensland’s system relies on people understanding and meeting their obligations.
That includes preventing or minimising risks where they can.
The review gives government, industry and the public a chance to check whether current rules still fit.
It also gives stakeholders a chance to raise concerns before final decisions are made.
What To Look For Next?
Queenslanders can review the proposed changes through the Department of Primary Industries’ Engagement Hub.
Feedback received before Friday, 29 May 2026, will help inform the future of the Regulation.
The final outcome will decide which rules remain, which are updated and which are removed.