News
The DPI are now recruiting beekeepers to conduct Varroa Mite Surveillance across regional NSW on a 12-month temporary full-time basis.
The salary range is from $87,000 to $110,000p.a + superannuation.
All regional NSW locations considered based on the need of the program
Applications close on Wednesday, 7 September 2022 11:55pm
For more information click the buttons below:
Late on Wednesday 22 June, the ABA was made aware of the detection of mites in surveillance hives at the port of Newcastle. These mites have been tested and positively identified as Varroa destructor.
A comprehensive Emergency Response Plan is in place for such incidents, and the ABA executive team is actively involved in the response to this outbreak, working closely with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC).
The ABA is providing an Industry Liaison Officer who will be located at the local coordination centre in Maitland.
We will contact members within 50km of the Port of Newcastle with specific instructions and advice.
DO NOT move or destroy any hives unless specifically instructed by a DPI officer.
It is vital that beekeepers understand that an Emergency Biosecurity Order is place, and that a 50km “do not move” zone has been established around the Newcastle area. If you have hives in this area, you must:
NOT move any hives or beekeeping equipment from its current location
NOTIFY the DPI of the location of all hives by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline, 1800 084 881 or completing this form
AWAIT further instructions
NSW beekeepers have been called on to safeguard their industry after an early warning system found varroa mite, the most serious pest of honey bees worldwide, in biosecurity surveillance hives at the Port of Newcastle.
NSW Chief Plant Protection Officer, Satendra Kumar, said the hives were immediately contained and the bees were euthanised.
“NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) plans to protect the NSW honey industry by eradicating the parasite, which was confirmed as Varroa destructor,” Dr Kumar said.
“Australia is the only major honey producing country free from varroa mite. If varroa mite establishes here it could cost Australia’s honey industry more than $70 million a year and adversely impact multibillion-dollar plant industries, which rely on bee pollination.”
The eradication plan is supported by a varroa mite biosecurity zone covering an area within a 50 km radius of the Port of Newcastle infestation.
Within this biosecurity zone, no hive can be moved and beekeepers must notify NSW DPI of the location of all hives by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline, 1800 084 881 or completing this form.
Eradication plans include treatment of beehives within a 10 km emergency zone around the infestation and inspection of managed and feral honey bee colonies within a 25 km surveillance zone.
Beyond the 50 km biosecurity zone, beekeepers should continue to inspect their hives for signs of varroa mite and report mites or anything suspicious to 1800 084 881.
The mites are tiny reddish-brown parasites and individual mites are easily identifiable to the naked eye.
Samples of the mites were confirmed as Varroa destructor by molecular diagnosis at Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute.
Beekeepers work side-by-side with government as part of Australia’s early warning system to detect exotic honey bee pests, the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program, which includes surveillance hives and catch boxes at strategic locations around our ports and airports.
More information is available from NSW DPI: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/biosecurity/seasonal-pests-and-diseases/spring/varroa-mite
Hive inspection techniques: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/animals-and-livestock/bees/pests-diseases/sugar-shake-month
Varroa mite detection form: https://forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/9247
The NSW Department of Primary Industries has issued the following advice for beekeepers during the current COVID-19 situation.
If you require any further clarification, please contact the DPI COVID Support Team at covidinfo@dpi.nsw.gov.au
RECREATIONAL BEEKEEPERS
Recreational operators are required to adhere to the Public Health Order and stay at home. Given the current health risks, there is nothing in the NSW Biosecurity Act that compels recreational beekeepers to breach, or be exempt from, the Public Health Order.
COMMERCIAL BEEKEEPERS
Commercial operations can conduct their business in accordance with the Public Health Order, as a reasonable excuse to leave home in the restricted movement area. Businesses should:
Have a COVID Business Safety Plan and ensure your workers follow this when on duty
Whilst traveling outside of the restricted movement areas, only stop for essential reasons such as rest stops, meal breaks, fuel, necessary supplies, or an emergency, and wear a mask while traveling.
Follow all requirements for workers moving from restricted movement areas. This information may change regularly, and you should review frequently to ensure your business is complying. This includes mandatory testing and digital record keeping of workers and their movements.
The latest COVID-19 advice from the Department of Primary Industries can be found at dpi.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
Whilst some programs are only offered to primary producers, other assistance is also available to households, small business and not-for-profit organisations. Please review the information provided, and phone the relevant agency for advice on eligibility.
For example, if you derive more than 50% of your income from a small business which has been affected by bushfire in northern NSW, you may be eligible to apply for a Natural Disaster Grant.
The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council has been working with Hive and Wellness and Rural Aid to develop Hive Aid - a campaign to raise money to support beekeepers affected by recent drought and fires, particularly in NSW and Queensland. This assistance has been designed to support registered primary producers running full-time beekeeping operations.
Northern NSW Bushfires - Disaster recovery grants are available to primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations in LGAs affected by bushfires that have occurred from 31 August 2019. To find out if you are eligible and to apply click here.
The Primary Producers Assistance Guide for Beekeepers has been compiled by the DPI, and provides information on how to seek assistance with:
mental health
potable water replacement
insurance claims
disaster relief grants
drought assistance loans
emergency drought relief transport subsidy
Please be informed that NSW DPI has issued a new group permit (the permit) for the purposes of moving or causing the movement of bee hives (with and without bees) and components thereof into NSW, effective from the 4 July 2019.
