Accepted development requirements for fisheries development
Accepted development requirements are prepared under the Planning Act 2016 and the Fisheries Act 1994.
For a fisheries development to be considered accepted development, it must comply with the requirements below. Make sure it complies with all requirements before you proceed.
If it does not comply, it is an assessable development and you must submit a development application to the State Assessment and Referral Agency.
Please note: The Queensland waterways mapping was recently updated in November 2023 and should be used to inform any proposed accepted development for waterway barrier works. However, if imminent works have been pre-planned and mapping updates would impact on that planning, you can conduct accepted development works in accordance with the colours displayed in the previous version of the mapping until the end of February 2024. You should attach a snip of the previous version of the waterways mapping used to draft your accepted development when submitting your notification.
Waterway barrier works
Waterway barrier works may prevent the free movement of fish along waterways and onto floodplains, injure fish and affect fish health and habitat.
Fish passage is an essential requirement for the survival and productivity of many species of Queensland fish. Reducing access to habitat reduces fisheries productivity. Some species must move into different habitats for breeding or rearing of young, or to access critical habitats for food and protection.
Thousands of instream structures such as dams and culverts have been built on waterways throughout Queensland. The loss of access to habitat has caused the decline in distribution of native fish populations.
It is essential that the design, construction and operation of new waterway barriers, raising of existing barriers and maintenance of existing structures provides adequate fish passage.
- What is a waterway barrier work?
- What is not a waterway barrier work?
- Accepted development requirements for operational work that is constructing or raising waterway barrier works (PDF, 2.2MB).
Marine plants
Marine plants are protected in Queensland as they provide important habitat for many fish species, including the provision of shelter, food and nursery areas. Effective protection and management of marine plants will help sustain fish stocks for recreational, commercial and traditional fisheries.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is the cultivation of live fisheries resources for sale (other than in circumstances prescribed under a regulation).
Declared fish habitat areas
Declared fish habitat areas are areas of high-value fish habitat that are protected from physical disturbance associated with coastal development in Queensland.
