Harvest quotas and zones
Macropod populations are affected by factors such as rainfall (which influences food and water availability), predation and harvesting.
Annual aerial surveys are used to collect data on macropod populations. The harvest quota set for each species is a proportion of the estimated population size in each harvest zone.
Modelling approach
In 2026, density surface modelling (DSM) replaced the previous line-transect approach used to estimate macropod populations. DSM provides a more precise and reliable representation of macropod populations and their distribution.
It combines spatial, environmental and historical information with existing aerial surveys and distance-sampling methods.
This improves precision, reduces uncertainty and provides a better understanding of macropod population status, trends and distribution to support management activities.
Read the Spatial modelling of commercially harvest macropods in Queensland 380 KB) information sheet for more information on population monitoring and modelling.
Harvest quota
Population estimates are used to set the number of each macropod species that can be harvested. This number is known as the harvest quota.
- 2026 Quota Submission for Commercially Harvested Macropods in Queensland 1.1 MB)
- 2027 Quota Submission for Commercially Harvested Macropods in Queensland 1.1 MB)
Quotas in Queensland are set between 10 and 20% of the estimated macropod population for each harvest zone, with regard to:
- population trends
- review of previous harvests
- the extent of non-commercial harvest
- the proportion of the population not subject to harvesting
- non-harvest mortality and its significance
- rainfall trends
- reports of damage to primary production.
These sustainable-use harvest proportions are based on scientific research and modelling and are currently accepted by the scientific community, the Queensland Government and the Australian Government for determining state quota limits. Within a harvest zone, if a population falls below a certain trigger point for the long-term average, the quota may be reduced to ensure the conservation of the species and the sustainability of the macropod harvesting program. There are five harvest zones in Queensland.
Harvest Zone | Local government areas |
|---|---|
Zone 1 | Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Diamantina and Mount Isa |
Zone 2 | Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Flinders, Longreach, McKinlay, Richmond and Winton |
Zone 3 | Bulloo, Murweh, Paroo and Quilpie |
Zone 4 | Balonne, Goondiwindi, Maranoa and Western Downs |
Zone 5 | Banana, Bundaberg, Burdekin, Central Highlands, Charters Towers, Croydon, Etheridge, Gladstone, Isaac, Livingstone, Lockyer Valley, Mackay, North Burnett, Rockhampton, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba and Whitsunday |
No harvest zone | All other local governments not mentioned in Zone 1: Zone 5 |
Harvest period
Each year a Harvest Period Notice defines the start and end dates for the macropod harvest period, the sizes of macropods that may be taken and the shires in Queensland where each species may be harvested.
- Harvest period notice for taking macropods in 2026 303.4 KB)
- Harvest period notice for taking macropods in 2027 284.8 KB)
The annual harvest can be reviewed by the Department at any time to consider changing circumstances, such as the effects of drought or disease. If the harvest approaches the annual quota, the harvest period may be closed earlier.