New rules for moving beehives into Queensland

Beekeepers can now apply for a permit to move European honey bees and other related materials into Queensland from the NSW General Emergency Zone (GEZ) after this zone was declared free of varroa mites.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said this was great news for the beekeeping industry.

“All states and territories across Australia have reached unanimous agreement that that varroa mite is not present in the GEZ,” Mr Furner said.

“We know how important bees are for our environment and economy, and this decision will allow our beekeepers to manage their operations safely.

"In Queensland, there will be a staged approach with priority given to Queensland-registered beekeepers located in the NSW GEZ.

“A dedicated case manager will manage this process, and in coming weeks owners of non-Queensland registered hives will also be able to apply for a permit to enter.

“Movement of European honey bees into Tasmania, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory remains prohibited due to pests other than varroa mite.”

Apply for an entry permit here Apply for a biosecurity instrument permit | Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland (daf.qld.gov.au)

Processed honey or processed beeswax, new or unused apiary appliances, and quarantine secured diagnostic honey sample for testing at a recognised diagnostic facility can continue to enter Queensland under the existing permit application process.

Check hives and report results 

Beekeepers should continue to monitor their hives and report unexpected hive deaths, deformed bees, parasites, poor brood patterns and dead brood to Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

All beekeepers should report the results using the Bee 123 - Surveillance (arcgis.com) online form, even if no suspect mites are found The data gathered from checking hives will helps us to understand the number and health of bee hives in Queensland.

If you suspect you have varroa mite: 

• Take a photo. Place the mite (legs down, or legs up) on the tip of a cotton bud against a white background. 
• Save the sample. Place the mite in a sealable container in the freezer 
• Report it by calling 13 25 23.

The Bee 123 online form is available through the Survey 123 app on the Apple App Store, website and ehub. 

Apiarists who suspect a case of varroa mite should immediately call Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23 or email info@daf.qld.gov.au.

Detailed information on how to check hives and report results can be found at daf.qld.gov.au/varroa and daf.engagementhub.com.au/varroa-mite.

Follow Biosecurity Queensland on Facebook and Instagram (@BiosecurityQld) and Twitter (@DAFQld)

ENDS

Media contact:               Ron Goodman        0427 781 920