COVID-19 response and updates

(as at 01 December 2020)

The Department of Environment and Science is actively managing its response to COVID-19 in line with the Queensland Government’s roadmap to easing restrictions.

To safeguard the health and safety of the community and support affected industries, the following arrangements are in place.

• The operations of public facing DES offices may be affected. The best way to contact the department is by phone and email.
• National park and state forest day use areas, walking tracks and camping areas are open, with conditions in place to support Queensland Health COVID-19 directives. To book camping visit the Queensland National Parks Booking Service and visit Park Alerts for information about specific locations and latest updates.
• The Queensland Herbarium public reference centre is closed until further notice. Personal deliveries of specimens can now be accepted. Specimens can also be sent by post or Queensland.Herbarium@qld.gov.au
• The Queensland Government will defer the commencement of the new or expanded cropping and horticulture activities requirements and the new sediment and nutrient emission standard for new point source activities under the Reef protection regulations until 1 June 2021. Public consultation on the draft standard conditions for new or expanded commercial cropping and horticulture has also been suspended and will recommence later in 2020.
• COVID-19 information and resources are available for environmental authority holders.

For the latest information about the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 response visit www.qld.gov.au