Resource Allocation Authorities
You need a Resource Allocation Authority (RAA) from Fisheries Queensland for certain fisheries development activities:
- aquaculture in Queensland waters or unallocated tidal land
- works in a declared fish habitat area.
An RAA is issued for up to 30 years.
Before submitting your application
Contact Fisheries Queensland to discuss your proposed operation and assessment fees.
Email planningassessment@daf.qld.gov.au for more information.
Aquaculture in Queensland waters or unallocated tidal land
How to apply:
- Read the application instructions to help you prepare your application
- Prepare a business plan to submit with your application
- Complete the application form.
Marine aquaculture performance bonds
Once your RAA is issued, you must lodge a marine aquaculture performance bond before starting any activities.
A performance bond is a bank guarantee used to recover costs of any maintenance or rehabilitation works that may be required, including removal of abandoned aquaculture infrastructure.
'This requirement applies to all aquaculture RAA holders, except sea ranching operations. Sea ranching doesn't use any structures, and is unlikely to need site maintenance and cleanup.
Read the marine aquaculture performance bonds policy for more information.
Transfer ownership
You can apply to transfer a RAA from one legal entity (e.g. individual or company) to another:
- complete the transfer RAA for aquaculture application form
- pay the fee of $183.86.
Amend or extend an existing RAA for aquaculture
You can apply to:
- change the boundaries of an RAA
- change the conditions of your RAA approval
- renew or extend the period of a RAA
- replace an authority.
Complete the application to amend RAA for aquaculture.
| Action | Cost |
|---|---|
| Amend an authority at holder's request | At reasonable cost but not more than actual cost |
| Extend or renew an RAA under the Fisheries Act | $675.17 |
| Replace an authority | $36.84 |
Development in a declared Fish Habitat Area
Complete the declared Fish Habitat Area RAA application.
Fees
Existing fees and charges did not increase on 1 July 2024 in line with the government's indexation policy.
To view all current and past fees, search our fees and refer to the Fisheries (General) Regulation 2019.
Resource allocation authority for aquaculture development
| RAA assessment level | Cost |
|---|---|
| Level 1 assessment | $675.17 |
| Level 2 assessment | $2,079.40 |
| Level 3 assessment | $3,985.71 |
| Level 4 assessment | $8,143.34 |
| Level 5 assessment | $20,272.98 |
Intensive aquaculture and aquaculture within designated areas
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Aquaculture in a regional marine aquaculture plan within designated aquaculture areas | $2,079.40 |
| Intensive aquaculture (including feeding) on intertidal or tidal lands (e.g. fish or crustacean culture in sea cages) | $20,272.98 |
Non-intensive aquaculture
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| No structures on tidal lands less than 50 hectares (e.g. scallop or beche-de-mer ranching) | $2,079.40 |
| No structures within an area greater than 50 hectares (e.g. scallop or beche-de-mer ranching) | $3,985.71 |
| Structures on tidal or intertidal lands less than 20 hectares (e.g. oyster or pearl culture) | $2,079.40 |
| Structures within an area greater than 20 hectares (e.g. oyster or pearl culture) | $3,985.71 |
Resource allocation authority for activity in a declared Fish Habitat Area
| Level | Activity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 |
Activity that:
| $675.17 |
| Level 2 |
Area of impact is:
| $2,079.40 |
| Level 3 |
Area of impact is:
| $3,985.71 |
| Level 4 | Anticipated impacts are of a major nature where the footprint is greater than that described for Level 3 activities. | $8,143.34 |