General Biosecurity Obligation for Feral Animals in Queensland

The Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014 introduced the General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO) as a core principle underpinning pest animal management in the state. Understanding what the GBO requires — and what it doesn’t — is important for every rural landholder who has feral animals on their property.

What Is the General Biosecurity Obligation?

The GBO is established in Section 23 of the Biosecurity Act 2014. It states that every person who deals with a biosecurity matter has an obligation to take all reasonable and practical steps to prevent or minimise the risk posed by that matter.

For landholders, this means that if you have restricted invasive animals — such as feral pigs, foxes or feral cats — on your property, you have a legal obligation to take action. The GBO does not require you to eradicate these species, but it does require demonstrable, documented effort.

What Does “Reasonable and Practical” Mean?

The key phrase in the GBO is “reasonable and practical.” This is interpreted contextually — it depends on:

• The nature and scale of the biosecurity risk on your property
• The economic resources reasonably available to you as a landholder
• The available control methods that are practical for your land type and location
• Whether you have access to coordinated programs with neighbours or local government

A large commercial farm is expected to invest more in pest control than a small lifestyle block. But all landholders are expected to be aware of their obligations and to take some action.

Which Species Does the GBO Apply To?

The GBO applies to all restricted invasive animals listed in Schedule 2 of the Biosecurity Act. Species commonly found on SE Queensland rural properties that attract GBO obligations include:

• Feral pigs — the most significant declared pest animal on most SE Queensland properties
• Foxes — restricted invasive animal, widespread across SE Queensland
• Feral cats — restricted invasive animal, significant conservation concern
• Rabbits — declared pest with active management obligations in many areas

Documentation and Compliance

The best evidence that you have met your GBO is a documented history of control. Professional pest animal control reports — including GPS-logged cull records, population estimates and operation notes — serve as formal evidence that you have taken reasonable and practical steps.

Local governments and Biosecurity Queensland may request evidence of compliance in the event of a complaint or audit. Insurance documentation and grant applications may also ask for pest management records.