Our department

We ensure that Queensland’s primary industries—the essential backbone of our economy and communities—are productive, profitable and sustainable for future generations.

We do this by connecting industries, the community and government to grow our economy, protect our primary industries from biosecurity threats and support rural communities.

Each of our business groups plays a vital role in this mission, and you can too.

A workforce to drive prosperous primary industries

We have more than 2,000 staff working across 170 sites to make a positive difference for our diverse and vibrant primary industries. These industries employ more than 376,000 people across Queensland’s supply chain, almost 13% of Queensland’s workforce, and directly support more than 41,500 businesses.

Our business

We work across diverse environments and help develop industries to meet growing demands for sustainable food, fibre and foliage.

Underpinning our ability to meet these demands is a strong biosecurity system that safeguards our way of life, industries, economy, environment, and biodiversity from plant and animal pests and diseases.

To deliver on our responsibilities to Queensland, we:

  • provide advice to the Queensland Government
  • facilitate programs and services that provide support and share knowledge on-the-ground
  • work with industry and our partners to find and progress solutions
  • administer legislation.

We also enforce laws relating to:

  • biosecurity, including pest and disease management
  • sustainable fisheries and forestry management
  • animal welfare standards
  • food safety in primary production
  • agricultural and veterinary chemical use.

Agriculture

We support farmers and agribusinesses to improve productivity and profitability by unlocking new opportunities, managing risks, building industry resilience and improving market supply chains. We back agriculture priorities through:

  • State budget allocation
  • navigating government roadblocks that affect agriculture
  • leading research, development and extension (RD&E) for agricultural innovation and productivity growth.

Our work includes:

  • food and fibre industry development
  • food processing and value-adding development
  • rural economic development
  • the Strategic Cropping Land Mitigation Fund.

Learn more about what we’re doing for agriculture.

Biosecurity

We protect our environment, economy, communities and lifestyle from biosecurity risks by preventing and responding to pests and diseases.

Our work covers:

  • biosecurity, including plant and animal diseases
  • animal welfare standards
  • veterinary surgeons
  • exhibited animals
  • enforcement of biosecurity laws and standards
  • regulation of agricultural and veterinary chemical use.

Learn more about Biosecurity Queensland.

Fisheries

We manage fisheries resources to balance industry growth, recreational fishing for our Queensland lifestyle and environmental sustainability.

Our work includes:

  • fisheries management
  • fish habitat areas
  • aquaculture
  • charter fishing sector
  • First Nations fishing and enterprise development
  • rules to protect fish stocks and ensure sustainable harvesting
  • enforcement of fisheries and boating safety laws.

Learn more about what we’re doing for fisheries.

Forestry

We are committed to responsibly managing selective harvesting in state-owned native forests throughout Queensland and the sale of timber and other forest products from these forests, to support positive economic, environmental and cultural outcomes.

Our work covers:

  • native forestry under the Forestry Act 1959
  • the plantation license and related agreements
  • quarry material supply under the Forestry Act 1959
  • forestry industry development.

Learn more about forestry.

Corporate services

Our department-wide corporate services is a trusted strategic partner who:

  • enables connections
  • drives efficient, effective service delivery
  • helps us deliver fit-for-purpose, future-focused solutions to our challenges.

We work to make a positive difference to how our department delivers outcomes through:

  • financial, human resources, and facilities management services
  • communications and stakeholder engagement
  • data and digital systems management
  • racing integrity.

Last updated: 02 Apr 2025