Pest controllers and farmers are among those calling for the Queensland Government to scrap a controversial regulation banning firearms dealers from opening due to coronavirus.

Key points: Businesses, the environment and law enforcement capabilities could be seriously hindered by Queensland's decision to shut down gun shops, opponents say

Businesses, the environment and law enforcement capabilities could be seriously hindered by Queensland's decision to shut down gun shops, opponents say A similar regulation has been put in place in Western Australia, but with exceptions that allow certain groups to purchase supplies

A similar regulation has been put in place in Western Australia, but with exceptions that allow certain groups to purchase supplies A Queensland MP says one of the unintended consequences of the new rule is that shops that sell ammunition often stock other essential supplies

The directive from the State's health department has classed licensed armourers and dealers as "non-essential services", meaning they will be forced to shut or face fines of more than $13,000.

North Queensland pest animal controller Kristen Ridge said animal welfare and public safety, as well as her business, would suffer from the new rule.

"It's more concern than disappointment — we are an essential service," Ms Ridge said.

"If a feral animal is causing any risk to animal or human, we have to be there on the spot to reduce and remove that risk."

Consultation lacking, pest controller says

Ms Ridge described the ruling as knee-jerk and said the Government had failed to consult the pest control sector.

"We heard whispers of it on Saturday — yesterday we confirmed it through emails and phone calls," she said.

"Nothing was openly announced."

Kristen Ridge says feral numbers will rise and injured wildlife will suffer unnecessarily if her ammunition supply runs out. ( ABC Rural: Tom Major )

The family business conducts pest control operations on local farms and also puts down wild animals injured in car collisions, often at the request of police.

Ms Ridge said the status of her next order of ammunition was uncertain, as a licensed dealer was required to legally transfer bullets to permit holders.

"Like most people, we wait and buy ammunition in bulk," she said.

"We've ordered and paid for it — it should be in transport but we cannot receive it.

"We're going to have to close shop, turn down people ringing saying, 'We have an injured animal, we have a vicious attacking animal.'"

Ms Ridge is now making representations to MPs in a bid to overturn the regulation or secure exceptions for shooters.

"They need to talk to the occupations they're going to affect," she said.

"Pest numbers are going to go up, attacks are going to go up, ferals are going to re-establish."

Different rules for different states

In Western Australia a regulation has been enacted that has seen gun shops to close to the general public, but with some exceptions.

Primary producers, professional pest shooters and Indigenous people exercising native title rights to hunt are allowed to access products and services.

Wild dog numbers require constant attention on many remote and rural properties in Australia's sheep and cattle country. ( Supplied: Kimberley Vermin Control )

Shooting Industry Federation of Australia spokeswoman Laura Patterson said the patchwork of legal responses were failing Australians.

"We found out at the same time everyone else did, there was no consultation," Ms Patterson said.

"As a result there are unintended consequences over poorly-crafted policy."

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Ms Patterson said the National Firearms Agreement required that record-keeping and security provisions be maintained by dealers.

"There is a large amount of firearms data which is kept, managed, owned by licensed firearms dealers on behalf of law enforcement," she said.

"There is a potential that data, if the gun shops are shut, will not be made available to law enforcement and [police] may not have access to the data they require."

The Queensland Police Minister has been contacted for comment.

A culling operation in Queensland's Tully Valley has helped to reduce feral pig numbers and protect banana farms from further spread of Panama Disease TR4. ( Supplied: Leon Collins )

'Unintended consequences'

Nick Dametto, the Katter's Australian Party member in the Queensland Parliament, said details on why the policy was enacted were unclear.

"It's probably been done with the best intentions, but not understanding the unintended consequences," he said.

"Businesses in rural Queensland may sell firearms, but also dog food and rural supplies as well.

"People are saying 'I sell firearms, but can I open to sell fencing supplies as well' — all these questions aren't being answered."

The Member for Hinchinbrook said the regulation change flew in the face of agriculture's designation as an essential industry.

"A farmer needs tools to run his business, taking away the opportunity to buy ammunition for pest control and euthanase a sick animal takes away one of those tools," Mr Dametto said.

"What are we going to do with firearms in transit right now? What are we going to do if these businesses become insolvent and can't keep up security for their premises?

"All these questions have been left in thin air with the absence of firearms dealers in Queensland."

An email from Queensland Police Weapons Licensing sighted by the ABC said the branch will continue to operate and process documentation for transactions up to and including March 27.