Updated rules for moving beehives into Queensland

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

Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, said this is good news for the industry as all states and territories across Australia have reached unanimous agreement that the mite is not present in the GEZ. This decision will allow 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,” Furner said.

Due to pests other than the varroa mite, the movement of European honey bees into Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory remains prohibited.

To apply for an entry permit, visit: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/policy-legislation-regulation/biosecurity-instrument-permit.

Any processed honey or processed beeswax, new or unused apiary appliances, and quarantine-secured diagnostic honey samples for testing at a recognised diagnostic facility may enter Queensland under existing permit application processes.

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

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.

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