According to the Agriculture Chemicals Distribution Control Act (ACDC) 1966, if you use agricultural chemicals on land not owned by yourself of your employee, you may need a commercial operator’s licence in QLD. The use of the licence may include ground-based spraying dispersing of agricultural chemicals. It excludes aerial spreading.

Factors that determine if you need a permit include:

• The type of ground equipment you are using
• Whether you are performing the ground distribution in a declared hazardous area
• A regulated or non-regulated area of the state

If the ground distribution is outside the regulated areas in QLD, you do not need an operator’s licence.

Applying for a licence 

For you to use for a COL, you will need to:

• Decide which type of licence you need (there are four types of licence available)
• Complete the relevant training course 
• Complete and submit an application form

Preparing and applying chemicals to control pest

Preparing and applying agricultural chemicals to control diseases, weeds & pests gives you insight into whether chemicals need to be applied for pest control across a range of industries. By enrolling yourself in the course, you can develop the skills to get chemicals ready to use and apply them safely.

You will also learn the significance of complying with chemical label regulations, instructions & methods of application. Apart from that, you will also learn about the various types of equipment needed to spray chemicals on the land.

Why should you hold the licence?

Whether you are employed or working as a contractor, you are subject to prosecution by the ACDC act. However, when you have a commercial operator’s licence, you enjoy the following benefits:

• Improve your chances of employability 
• Improved environmental care & awareness 
• Develop skills to maintain workplace safety & avoid accidents 
• You gather knowledge to apply herbicides properly. 
• Education on identifying weeds, safely preparing and applying chemicals, using integrated pest management methods to determine the best control method
• Hazard & risk management

Licensing for landowners working on neighbouring properties

While farmers and primary producers do not need to hold a license to perform ground distribution on lands they own, the same does not apply to ground distribution on a neighbour’s property.

You need to hold a commercial operator’s licence if you use ground distribution on a neighbour’s property. You may also need to obtain a ground distribution contractor’s licence, depending on the circumstances.

At Country Co, we provide the necessary training to then apply online for the government supplied unrestricted commercial operator’s licence. Moreover, we provide training on non-agricultural chemical handling, storage and transportation. Please be sure to register if you are interested in our custom-tailored chemical user courses.