Protected areas permits for tourism operators

Frequently asked questions: Single Integrated Permission (SIP)

What does a Single Permission for tourism operations on protected areas mean?

A Single Integrated Permission (SIP) is designed to make the permit process simpler for tourism operators who conduct activities across more than one QPWS-managed area. Instead of preparing separate applications for different QPWS- managed areas, operators may be able to submit one application that brings eligible tourism activities together under a single, streamlined permission.

This approach supports the Queensland Destination 45 tourism plan by reducing duplication, improving consistency and making it easier for operators to plan and manage their permitted activities.

Is it a new type of permit?

No. A SIP is not a new permit type. Operators will continue to apply for the relevant commercial activity permit or marine park permission for their tourism activities. The benefit of a SIP is that it provides one pathway to apply for eligible tourism activities across multiple QPWS-managed areas, helping to reduce duplication and make the process easier to manage.

Existing permit requirements, including insurance, reporting on tours and payment of applicable fees, continue to apply. The SIP simply helps bring eligible permissions together in a more coordinated way.

What protected areas are covered under a single permission?

A SIP can apply to eligible tourism activities on QPWS-managed areas, including protected areas such as national parks, conservation parks and resources reserves, as well as State recreation areas, State forests and State marine parks. Some locations may have specific limits or local management requirements. The QPWS team is available to discuss these requirements through an early pre-lodgement meeting or during the application process.

What activities are included within a SIP?

A broad range of tourism activities can be considered under a SIP. Whether an activity can be approved will depend on the proposed locations, available capacity, visitor demand and any relevant management planning. If you are unsure whether your activity or location is suitable, a pre-lodgement discussion is a good first step. You can also contact QPWS at parkaccess@detsi.qld.gov.au for simple guidance before you apply.

Can the SIP apply to other areas?

A SIP applies to tourism permissions for lands and waters managed by QPWS. It does not apply to other lands, such as council-owned land or other State land managed by agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing, Rural and Regional Development.

If your proposed tourism activity involves areas outside QPWS management, you may need separate approvals from the relevant land manager. For guidance on permits that may apply outside of QPWS- managed areas, please visit Business Queensland’s Tourism licences and permits page or contact the Tourism Support Hub.

Does the SIP apply to me if I only operate in one QPWS-managed area?

A SIP is most useful for tourism operators who want to conduct commercial tourism activities across multiple QPWS-managed areas, such as a mix of protected areas, marine parks, State recreation areas and State forests. If you only operate in one QPWS-managed area, you can continue to apply for the relevant permit for that location. If your business may expand to additional areas in the future, QPWS can help you consider whether a SIP may be useful later.

Is a SIP mandatory or am I able to keep my permits separate?

No. A SIP is optional. Operators can keep permits separate if that best suits their business. A SIP may be helpful if you want one application pathway, one renewal process, one reporting approach for tours conducted and one coordinated fee arrangement where applicable.

How do I apply for a SIP?

You can apply by submitting one application for the relevant commercial activity permit or marine park tourism activity through the permitting hub online services hub. The application will ask where you would like to operate and what activities you are proposing. Once submitted, the department will assess and manage the application. If you would like help before applying, please contact the QPWS team at parkaccess@detsi.qld.gov.au.

My permits are currently valid – do I need to reapply now under the SIP?

No action is required now. Your current permits remain valid, and you can continue operating in accordance with those permits. When one of your permits is due for renewal, you may choose to apply to bring eligible activities together under a SIP to make future management simpler.

What if one of my permits expires before the other/others – when do I apply for a SIP?

A practical time to consider transitioning to a SIP is when one of your existing permits is approaching expiry. One benefit of a SIP is that eligible activities can be brought together under one permission with a single expiry date. This can reduce the need to manage multiple renewal dates over time.

Can I amalgamate my existing permits into a SIP?

Yes, eligible existing activities may be brought together through a new application for the relevant tourism permission. This is generally best considered when one of your existing permits is due for renewal, so the department can help align suitable activities into a single permission where appropriate.

How much does the SIP cost?

Fees continue to apply to commercial activity permits and tourism activities conducted on national parks, conservation parks, resources reserves, recreation areas and State forests. The total cost will depend on the type and number of permissions included in your application. For current fee information, please refer to Business Queensland. If you are unsure how fees may apply to your circumstances, contact the QPWS team at parkaccess@detsi.qld.gov.au.

Who can I contact to learn more?

If you have questions or would like to discuss whether a SIP is suitable for your tourism operation, please contact the QPWS Parkaccess team at parkaccess@detsi.qld.gov.au. The team can help explain the process, discuss your proposed locations and activities, and guide you on the next steps.