Guidelines For Rural Beekeeping In Queensland

Queensland the Smart State
Guidelines for
Rural Beekeeping
in Queensland

Guidelines for
Rural Beekeeping
in Queensland
Compiled by:
Hamish Lamb Apiary Officer
i

QI04110
ISSN 0727-6273
© State of Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 2005.
Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act, reproduction
by whatever means is prohibited without the prior written permission of the Department of Primary
Industries and Fisheries.
Information contained in this publication is provided as general advice only. For application to
specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, has taken all reasonable steps to ensure the
information contained in this publication is accurate at the time of publication. Readers should
ensure that they make appropriate enquiries to determine whether new information is available on
the particular subject matter.
Inquiries should be addressed to: Manager Publication Production, Department of Primary Industries
and Fisheries, Queensland, GPO Box 46, Brisbane Q 4001.
Formulated by a working party comprising members from:
Beekeeping Industry Consultative Committee (BICC), which includes representatives from:
• Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
• Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS)
• Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F)
• Department of Natural Resources and Mines (NR&M)
• Department of Main Roads (MR)
• Queensland Beekeepers’ Association (QBA)
• Recreational Beekeeping Associations
Queensland Health, Environmental Section
Department of Equity and Fair Trading, Trade Measurement Section
Cover photo: Apiary sited in forest for honey production
ii

Contents
Acknowledgements
Definitions
iv
v
Introduction 1
Industry profile 2
Industry structure 3
Requirements under the Apiaries Act 1982 4
Registration 4
Notification of disease 4
Marking of hives 4
Apiary classification and distance between sites 4
Interstate movement of beehives 5
Call Centre for swarm enquiries 6
Types of beekeeping activities 7
Land tenure for apiary sites 8
DPI Forestry requirements 12
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service requirements 15
Main Roads requirements 17
Application requirements 17
Conditions 17
Department of Natural Resources and Mines requirements 19
NR&M application requirements 19
Conditions 20
Good beekeeping practices 21
Hive placement 21
Fire prevention 21
Water requirements 22
Smokers 22
Robbing and working hives 22
Prevention of robbing 22
Managing swarms 23
Capturing swarms 24
Docile strains of bees 24
Site responsibilities 24
Transporting hives 25
Methods of shifting 25
Accidents 25
Breakdown services 26
iii

Honey Sheds and Quality Assurance 27
Honey 27
Sheds 27
Quality assurance 27
Product labelling 28
Department of Equity and Fair Trading contacts 29
Health Department contacts 30
Disease control 32
American Foulbrood (AFB) control program 32
Testing for other diseases 33
DPI Apiary staff 34
Suggested reading 34
Acknowledgements
These guidelines were prepared by the DPI&F Apiary Section in consultation with the beekeeping
industry, Queensland Beekeeping Association (QBA), recreational beekeeping associations,
Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Department of Natural Resources and Mines (NR&M),
DPI&F, DPI Forestry, Queensland Health, Department of Equity and Fair Trading, and Department of
Main Roads.
The contribution of individuals representing their groups is gratefully acknowledged. Wendy Ward,
Peter Warhurst, Patricia Greer, Diane Werner, Fraser Trueman, Bryan Cantrell and Ross Newman also
contributed to this document.
iv

Definitions
AFB (American foulbrood) — bacterial brood disease Paenibacillus larvae subsp larvae
Apiarist or beekeeper — a person keeping bees
Apiary — a group of one or more European honeybee hives
Apiary site or bee site — the premises where an apiary is situated
Apiculture or beekeeping — the management of bees and beehives for production of honey or
related purpose
Bee — European honeybee, Apis mellifera
Bee sting — defensive behaviour of a honeybee worker
Brand — unique identification code issued by DPI&F to each registered apiarist in Queensland; used
to mark ownership of frames and hives
Flight path — the route taken by foraging worker bees when leaving from or returning to their hive
Foraging bees — worker bees seeking out and collecting food and water for their hive; bees naturally
forage at flowers for nectar and pollen supplies. (If there is a low natural supply, bees may seek
alternative sources, e.g. stock feed.)
Hive — a honeybee hive, comprising a colony with a queen, workers, drones and brood, being either a
nucleus colony or standard size colony of one or more supers
Honeybee comb — removable frames supporting wax cells that contain honey, pollen, and/or brood
(eggs, larvae, pupae)
Honey flow — the gathering of nectar from flora by bees for conversion into honey
Honey extraction — the removal of honey from combs
Package bees — a number of adult worker bees, with or without a queen, contained in a ventilated
shipping cage
Pollination — plant fertilisation, achieved by the transfer of pollen by bees from anthers to stigmas
of flowers
Queen raising yard — a site or property where queen bees are raised
Robber bees — worker bees attempting to gather stored or spilt honey
Strong hive — a populous honeybee colony
Super — box or boxes containing frames
Swarm — cluster or flying mass of bees, including workers, queen and drones
Water supply — a natural or man-made water supply accessed by bees
v

Introduction
Beekeeping is one of Australia’s oldest primary industries, stemming from the successful importation
of hives of European honeybee, Apis mellifera, in Sydney 1810 and 1822. Other recorded introductions
occurred in Hobart in 1817 and 1821. From those humble beginnings, the industry has grown to the
stage where the nation’s domestic honey needs are met and there is a surplus for export. The annual
farm-gate value of honey and other bee products is in the order of $65 million nationally, while the
indirect value of pollination by honeybees is estimated at $1.2 billion.
Queensland’s honey production is valued at $14 million annually, while other products, including
queenbees, beeswax and pollen, bring the total Queensland value to $16 million. Queensland
agriculture relies on managed honeybees for the pollination of an array of fruits and vegetables
such as apples, avocados, stone fruit, melons, citrus, cucurbits and vegetable seed production.
Pollination provides a benefit of $347 million annually to these industries.
Most commercial apiarists are migratory, shifting their hives sometimes up to six times a year to
optimise access to floral resources. Native forests and woodlands, particularly eucalypts, make up
more than 90% of the floral resources for the Queensland industry. An estimated 40% of resources
currently utilised are on State Forests, with the remaining 60% on other land tenures, including
leasehold and freehold lands, stock routes, roads and reserves. Successful beekeepers maintain a high
degree of knowledge of the location and flowering characteristics of native trees in order to ensure
their bees are well-placed for access at peak nectar flow times.
The purpose of this book is to provide beekeepers and government departments with accurate
information on beekeeping on a variety of land tenures. The practices and techniques explained
herein will help beekeepers to maintain their business in a safe and responsible way. The document
also aspires to offer policy makers a credible support manual of beekeeping, which highlights the
industry’s chief concerns, especially regarding resource security.
All information contained in this book is current as at December 2004.
Apiary in state forest working spotted gum
1

Industry profile
• There were 3094 registered beekeepers in Queensland as of June 2004.
• Annual honey production in Queensland is approximately 8400 tonnes, which represents 17% of
the total Australian crop.
• Average annual honey production per hive is 70 kg.
• Commercial apiaries can often have 100 hives at one particular site.
• A viable commercial honey-producing operation is assumed to operate a minimum of 400 hives.
Pollination-based enterprises can have fewer hives.
Table 1. Registered beekeepers by groups as of June 2004
Apiary Beekeeper/Hive Statistics
No. of Hives
Beekeepers
per Group
% of
Beekeepers
No. of
Hives
% of
Hives
0 46 1.49% 0 0.00%
1–4 1262 40.79% 2880 2.12%
5–24 1156 37.36% 12 154 8.97%
25–49 211 6.82% 7101 5.24%
50–99 163 5.27% 10 903 8.04%
100–249 146 4.72% 21 266 15.69%
250–499 49 1.58% 16 670 12.30%
500–749 34 1.10% 19 560 14.43%
750–999 8 0.26% 6710 4.95%
1000+ 18 0.58% 38 325 28.27%
3094 135 569
2

Table 2. Some of the major beekeeping areas in Queensland
Location Importance Season Resource utilised
The far west
Paroo
honey and pollen winter/spring yapunyah, wildflowers
Coastal ranges
Burnett
honey
summer
spotted gum, grey
ironbark, brush box
Darling Downs honey and pollen winter/summer
Burdekin horticultural area pollination autumn/winter/spring
mountain coolibah,
sunflower, ironbark,
agricultural weeds,
yellow box
horticultural crops,
melons, pumpkins
cucumber, zucchini
Industry structure
The beekeeping industry has an active State peak body association — the Queensland Beekeepers’
Association (QBA). Numerous recreational groups sometimes affiliate with QBA.
QBA — The Secretary P.O. Box 49 Mapleton Q 4560.
The peak national industry body is the Australian Honeybee Industry Council (AHBIC).
P.O. Box R838 Royal Exchange NSW 1225.
Telephone: 02 9221 0911
Email: ahbic@honeybee.org.au
3

Requirements under the Apiaries Act 1982
Registration
If you own one or more hives it is a requirement under the Apiaries Act to be registered as
a beekeeper with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F).
Registration forms are available from the DPI&F.
Registration renewal forms are sent to registered beekeepers for return to the DPI&F, Warwick, along
with the annual fee of $10.60.
Beekeepers who change their postal address are requested to notify the DPI&F of their new address.
The addresses to notify of these changes are shown under the section DPI&F Apiary Staff.
Notification of disease
It is a requirement under the Apiaries Act to notify DPI&F within 48 hours when a beekeeper is aware
of, or suspects, the existence of certain diseases in beehives or bee products. These diseases include
AFB, parasitic mites, Small Hive Beetle and the bee louse.
Marking of hives
Beekeepers are advised to mark all hives as proof of ownership, and to assist recovery in the event
of theft. Upon registration a unique registered brand is issued to each beekeeper. This brand is not
transferable to other beekeepers, and is cancelled or suspended when beehives are no longer kept by
that person. The onus is on beekeepers to notify DPI&F when they dispose of their bees.
The Apiaries Regulations specify that the registered brand is to be no less than 25 mm high. The brand
marking must be maintained in a legible condition. One hive in each 50 or part thereof must be
branded. The first owner’s mark must be placed in the centre of the hive. Subsequent owners’ marks are
to be placed in a clockwise sequence starting at the top left-hand corner, as per the diagram below.
The sequence for owner’s marking on the hive front
Apiary classification and distance between sites
At the time of registration, beekeepers are requested to identify all of their apiary sites. This is to
allow swift, direct contact with the beekeeper if necessary. Classes of apiaries are based on hive
numbers, and determine the minimum distance between apiaries, as indicated in Table 3.
4

Apiaries are classified into classes to better administer distance between apiaries. Apiary sizes can be
managed according to the availability of a floral resource. Sound floral resource management allows
beekeepers to govern the competition between hives and avoid over-exploitation of the resource.
A special form must be completed and returned to DPI&F Apiary Officers to apply for class
C and D apiaries.
Apiary Officers and contact details are listed in the section DPI&F Apiary Staff.
Table 3. Apiary classifications
Class Number of hives Distance apart
A Less than 40 hives No minimum distance
B Not less than 40 hives 0.8 km
C
D
Over 100 hives in which queen bees
are bred for sale
Over 500 hives used exclusively
for mating queen bees
1.6 km
20 km
Interstate movement of beehives
Special movement conditions apply when proposing to shift hives interstate. Details may be obtained
from Apiary Officers.
5

Call Centre for swarm enquiries
The DPI&F Call Centre is available to the public for enquiries on specialist topics.
Enquiries are directed to specialist officers for speedy resolution. The service is available for the cost
of a local call from anywhere in Queensland (higher charges on mobile phones).
If required, operators will send callers follow-up information by electronic mail, fax or post.
Swarm enquiries are also handled through the DPI&F Call Centre by referring to a recent list of
beekeepers prepared to collect swarms in the caller’s area. Some individuals nominate a charge
for this service.
The telephone number is 13 25 23 and is available from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. five days a week,
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Queensland the Smart State
DPI&F Call Centre
13 25 23
(for callers within Queensland)
www.dpi.qld.gov.au
(07) 3404 6999
(for interstate callers)
Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm
6

Types of beekeeping activities
Migratory apiaries
Commercial beekeeping is generally conducted by moving beehives from one honey and pollen flow
to the next. Hives may be placed at an apiary site for the duration of the flow that may be only one
month or many months. This process of migration may be repeated five to six times per year over
considerable distances of more than 1000 km.
Permanent occupation of sites
Beehives may also be operated from permanent sites that yield well from a variety of floral sources.
This type of operation is common for sideline or hobby beekeepers. There can be significant advantages
for both the beekeeper and neighbouring crops by conducting apiary management in this way.
Queenbee rearing
Queenbee rearers or breeders require hundreds of small colonies in a number of different locations to
receive the queen cell, and so that the bees can mate. These apiaries are frequently permanent and
are utilised for the peak seasons of summer, spring and autumn.
Crop pollination
Bees are well known for their efficiency in pollinating crops. Beehives are delivered to the crop at the
required time and remain for approximately three to four weeks. Paid pollination for many crops is an
area of increasing importance for the apiary industry. Crops such as melons, stone fruit, pome fruit,
cucurbits, macadamias, citrus, avocados and vegetables are pollinated by honeybees.
Package bees
Queensland apiaries supply a clean source of live worker bees for export to repopulate colonies in
cold countries.
Package bees are a collection of adult bees shaken from donor hives to make a required weight of
bees. The bees are held in a gauze box with a queen bee and enough food stores for the bees until
their destination is reached.
Equipment suppliers
A range of trade workshops support the apiary industry. These include woodworking and
metalworking factories supplying specialist beekeeping equipment such as supers, frames, wax
foundation, clearer boards, smokers and hive loaders.
Honey packers
Eight honey packing plants operate in Queensland, packing local product for domestic use and the
export trade.
Producer packers
Some beekeepers prefer to produce and pack their own product. Many hobby beekeepers operate in
this way, supplying regular clients with small quantities of honey.
Beeswax processors
Wax, a product from the hive, is processed for many different uses. Beekeepers may deliver refined
block wax to a processor for an exchange of wax foundation that is needed for the building of comb
in frames. Good quality block wax is exported directly for cosmetics, candles and wood polish.
7

Land tenure for apiary sites
A wide range of locations are utilised by beekeepers, involving various types of land tenure.
Stocking rates vary in different designations and are summarised in Table 4 below.
Table 4. Beehive stocking rates in different designated areas
Area
Private land — (rural zone with no Local
Government restrictions)
Forestry/QPWS
NR&M
Main Roads — road side
Leasehold
Stocking rates
Unlimited, private negotiations
150 hives at one site as per permit
150 hives at one site as per permit
150 hives at one site as per permit
Unlimited, private negotiations
Several authorities oversee land tenure. These bodies have individual requirements and particular fee
scales apply. Some authorities overseeing land tenure are shown in Table 5.
8

Apiary site located on a stock route
9

Table 5. Authorities overseeing land tenure used for apiary sites
Land Tenure Authority Contact
Forest Reserve DPI&F (Forestry) DPI Forestry
In collaboration with QPWS
Resource Reserve
Conservation Park
QPWS
QPWS
National Park QPWS QPWS
Reserves
NR&M
Local Government
Trustee
NR&M
(Application Form 104)
Roads and (stock routes) NR&M NR&M (Application Form 104)
Unallocated State Land NR&M NR&M (Application Form 104)
Leasehold Landholder Landholder
Roads (Main Roads) MR MR Application form Ancillary
Works and Encroachment (AWE)
form M2373
Powerline easements
Regional electricity authority
and owner
Regional electricity authority
and owner
Freehold (privately owned) Owner Owner
10

Fee/Permit As of December 2004. Fees are subject to change at any time. GST free.
A fee applies — Fees range from $59.50 for six months to $333.30 for five years.
A fee applies — Fees range from $59.50 for six months to $333.30 for five years.
No fee applies — Beekeeping is not permitted except phase-out provisions.
A fee applies — Short Term Permit (for a term of three months maximum). $87.80
or
Permit to Occupy. Application fee $87.80. If the application is approved, payment of a $44.25
document fee is required, plus payment of an annual rental. The current minimum rent for a Permit
to Occupy is $75 p.a. payable on approval.
NOTE: Beekeeping is not permitted on Reserves that are already subject to an existing Land Act lease.
A fee applies — Fees and permit requirements are the same as for Reserves.
A fee applies — Fees and permit requirements are the same as for Reserves.
A fee applies — Private negotiations/arrangements with the lessee can be made at the lessee’s
discretion, so long as the proposed use will not be inconsistent with the purpose and conditions
of the head lease. This can be as formal as a written sublease, which requires the consent of the
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, and must be registered in the Land Registry at a cost
of $102.50 and $22 extra for postage, courier or document exchange service. Additionally, $27.60
is charged for examination of sketch plan or $110.65 for plan. $16.55 is payable for each lot or
interest surveyed. The lessee is also entitled to charge rent for the area covered by the sublease.
No fee applies — permit for site use. Application form Ancillary Works and Encroachment form
M2373.
NO fee — Regional electricity authorities stipulate access to powerline easements must be made
available at all times for repairs and maintenance.
Private negotiations/arrangements with the land owner.
11

DPI Forestry requirements
DPI Forestry oversees apiary sites on State Forest Reserves and Timber Reserves under the Forestry
Act. DPI Forestry provides approximately 2000 designated sites to apiarists and a permit must be
obtained for their use. Apiary sites are transferable upon sale of the beekeeping business. Permits can
be taken out for periods from six months up to five years. Sites are defined as a 40 m radius from the
site marker peg/stake in the centre of the site. Ideally sites are located 40 m away from roadways.
Minimum distance between sites is 0.8 km but new sites are now spaced 1 km apart to match
proposed changes to the Apiaries Act. Apiary sites in forests have already undergone assessment for
suitability considering aspects such as:
• forest type
• water
• microclimate
• current forest uses and adjoining land uses
• road access.
However, as forest uses can change over short periods of time in particular areas, beekeepers should
investigate access, road conditions and water before taking out a permit. Each site is considered to
have a capacity to hold 150 hives and to allow truck access and turnaround.
Permit allocation is issued on a ‘first-in-first-served’ basis after the previous holder of the site is first
considered. An annual fee instalment scheme operates for times of drought rather than two, three,
four and five year permits.
Upon taking out forestry sites the beekeeper must observe a number of conditions. These are
provided when a permit is issued and when a permit is renewed if changes to the conditions have
occurred during the currency of the expiring permit.
Some important conditions are as follows:
• Number of hives — the beekeeper shall not place any more than 150 hives on the site.
• Fire protection — prior to placing any beehives on the site, a firebreak of 2 m width must be
constructed. The site is to be maintained in a neat, tidy and non-flammable condition.
Maintain the smoker in such condition that it does not constitute a fire threat. A forestry officer may
inspect a smoker. Beekeepers are not to use a lighted smoker outside the firebreak.
• Fence, gates and grids — gates are to be left in their original position, closed or open. Beekeepers
must use only existing tracks for access to the site and not make additional roads.
• Interference with forest products — beekeepers shall not interfere with any forest products or
quarry material on the permit area.
• Hazardous conditions — beekeepers must notify DPI Forestry if it becomes apparent that any
structures or forest products are likely to cause serious injury.
• Safety — the forest is covered under the Workplace Health and Safety Act and beekeepers must
comply with these standards. Accidents causing death or hospitalisation must be reported
to DPI Forestry. For safety, any person exposed to the risk of head injury must use helmets.
Footwear must be worn. Chainsaw operation must be undertaken only by certified operators.
Operators must be able to produce a chain saw certificate upon request if timber being cleared
is greater than 10 m high and 15 cm in diameter. No person is to behave in a manner likely to
cause danger to themselves or any other person.
12

A swarm of honeybees
13

Obtaining permits
Permits can be obtained by contacting the nearest DPI Forestry Office to the selected site as listed below.
Fees are payable at the time of issue or renewal of the permit. Fees are adjusted on 1 January
each year. This is calculated by the average of the annual change in the prices paid to Queensland
honey producers for the preceding three financial years (Queensland Honey Price Index) as provided
by Australian Bureau of Agriculture Resource Economics (ABARE). Fees may decrease following a
sustained period of poor prices, and they may increase after a period of high prices.
DPI Forestry contacts for permits
Centre Location Phone
Atherton
Dalby
Gympie
First Floor, 83 Main Street,
Atherton Q 4883
45 Drayton Street, Dalby
Q 4405
Fraser Road, Two Mile, Gympie
Q 4570
(07) 4091 5200
(07) 4672 4834
(07) 5482 2244
Imbil Yabba Road, Imbil Q 4570 (07) 5484 3900
Ingham
Jimna
Maryborough
Monto
Pechey
Rockhampton
Roma
Toolara
52 McIllwraith Street, Ingham
Q 4850
State Forest 298, Yabba,
via Kilcoy Q 4515
123 Wharf Street,
Maryborough Q 4650
Rutherford Street, Monto
Q 4630
Pechey Forestry Road, Pechey
Q 4355
Forestry House, 109 Bolsover Street,
Rockhampton Q 4700
44–46 Bungil Street, Roma
Q 4455
State Forest 1004, Toolara,
via Gympie Q 4570
(07) 4776 2777
(07) 5497 3133
(07) 4121 1833
(07) 4166 1433
(07) 4698 1150
(07) 4938 4700
(07) 4622 9763
(07) 5486 5220
Yarraman Mill Street, Yarraman Q 4614 (07) 4163 8223
14

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service requirements
The introduction and keeping of introduced fauna is contrary to the management principles of all
categories of national parks, where natural processes are maintained to the greatest possible extent.
Therefore, beekeeping activities and apiary sites are not permitted in national parks other than as
part of the phase-out process after declaration of the national park. Co-ordination with DPI Forestry
will ensure similar provisions by both agencies.
Other protected areas managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) allow for the
keeping of bees and location of apiary sites. Table 6 details the protected areas and the beekeeping
activities allowable.
Table 6. Protected status and allowed activities for areas controlled by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
National Park
Protected area
Conservation Park Resource Reserves
Co-ordinated Conservation Area
and Nature Refuges
Wilderness Area
Beekeeping activities
Not permitted except for phase-out of existing activities,
following the declaration of a new national park, 2024
Permitted if not in conflict with other management
objectives
May be agreed through negotiation for area involved and
depends on underlying land ownership
Not permitted
World Heritage Management Area
Subject to requirement of underlying ownership
QPWS, in consultation with Queensland Beekeeping Association, is developing a code of
environmental practice for beekeeping on QPWS estate. Conditions associated with permits will
reflect this code. Conditions are currently considered when an application is submitted dependent on
particular environments.
QPWS contacts for permit issue on protected areas
An application for an apiary permit under the Nature Conservation Act should be sent to the relevant
Regional Director listed below. The application needs to be accompanied by the permit fee and
submitted at least 30 days before the permit is required. The application for renewal of a permit
should be made 30 days before a permit is due to expire.
Southern Region
PO Box 42, Kenmore Q 4069. Phone: (07) 3202 0200 Fax: (07) 3202 6844
Central Region
PO Box 3130, Rockhampton Shopping Fair Q 4701. Phone: (07) 4936 0511 Fax: (07) 4936 2212
Northern Region
PO Box 2066, Cairns Q 4870. Phone: (07) 4046 6601 Fax: (07) 4046 6604
15

For any general enquiry regarding beekeeping on QPWS managed lands please contact:
Parks and Wildlife Operations. Phone: 1300 368 326 Fax: (07) 3227 7676
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service mailing address: PO Box 190 Brisbane Albert Street Q 4001.
Permit conditions
Conditions are considered upon application, suiting the particular environment. Decisions on hive
numbers allowed, extent of clearing on the site, and duration of permit, will be indicated to the
beekeeper when the permit is issued.
Standard conditions include:
• 1 km between apiary sites, and a minimum distance of 40 m from major roads and 300 m
away from public recreation areas. These areas include water bodies, walking tracks, picnic
and camping areas
• hives should face away from roads and other public areas.
16

Main Roads requirements
For efficient land resource utilisation, Main Roads (MR) acknowledges that there are occasions when
use of the land between the road boundaries should be considered for activities other than for road
transport infrastructure. MR is focused on providing safer roads for all users, equitable access and
protecting the environment and road infrastructure.
Permission can be sought by submitting a written application for an Ancillary Works and
Encroachment (AWE) permit (MR Form M2373). These are available through any MR district office at
no cost. The application must be accompanied by details of the proposed location and installation.
Application requirements
When making an application to MR a site inspection is undertaken to determine the suitability of
the proposed site. The suitability of a proposed site covers cultural heritage, legislative issues and
environmental risks, e.g. weed transfer risks. Design documents are checked to ensure conformance
with departmental requirements.
Conditions
A summary of the general conditions is outlined below. Other conditions may be added depending
on circumstances.
• Each site is a maximum 20 metres x 6 metres, with no more than 150 hives.
• The applicant must bear all costs associated with the installation, existence, operation,
maintenance and removal of beehives.
• The applicant must be registered with the DPI&F, under the Apiaries Act 1982 and Regulations.
• The applicant must abide by all legislative requirements and make all approvals available to MR
officers when making application.
• The applicant must provide an Insurance Certificate from a reputable insurer for public liability
insurance cover for at least $10 million in the name of the applicant/organisation, and with the
interests of the State of Queensland acting through the MR noted thereon.
• A statement by the applicant/organisation indemnifying the State of Queensland acting through
the MR against any claims whatsoever arising from the beekeeping activities.
• Minimum distance of 1 km from other registered/approved apiary sites.
• Minimum distance of 9 metres from closest edge of roadway.
• Minimum distance of 100 metres from recreation areas, rest areas and private property access.
• Minimum distance of 3 metres from adjacent property boundaries.
• Access must be made using existing intersections or property accesses.
• 2 metre fire breaks must be cleared and maintained around the site. This must be kept to a
minimum needed to install the beehives. Trees are not to be cleared without written permission of
the district office.
• All mechanical equipment must be maintained and used so that it does not cause a fire.
• The applicant must not use a lighted smoker other than within the perimeter of the firebreak.
• Existing drainage provisions must not be altered during any work associated with the beehives.
• The area must be kept clean and tidy for the duration of the permit and all material brought on
site must be removed.
• When vacating the site the area must be returned to original condition and the district office advised.
17

For the full list of conditions please contact your local MR district office. See list below:
South East Queensland
South Coast Nerang 5583 8111
Sunshine Coast Mooloolaba 5477 8450
Metropolitan Spring Hill 3834 8344
Southern Queensland
Wide Bay Bundaberg 4154 0200
Southern Toowoomba 4639 0777
South Western Roma 4654 1544
Border Warwick 4661 6333
Central Queensland
Central Rockhampton 4931 1500
Central Western Barcaldine 4651 2777
Mackay Mackay 4951 8555
Central Highlands Emerald 4983 8700
North Queensland
Northern Townsville 4720 7200
North Western Cloncurry 4769 3200
Peninsula Cairns 4050 5444
18

Department of Natural Resources and Mines requirements
Department of Natural Resources and Mines (NR&M) administers the majority of State-owned land
on which it may be desirable to locate apiary sites.
The areas under their jurisdiction include:
• Reserves (excluding State Forest Reserves and Protected Areas)
• Roads (Local/State Government Roads and Stock Routes)
• Unallocated State Land.
NOTE: For areas leased from the State, private negotiations and arrangements with the lessee may
be made at the lessee’s discretion, as long as the proposed use will not be inconsistent with the
purpose and conditions of the head lease. The arrangement can be as formal as a written sublease,
and requires the consent of the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines. The lease must be
registered in the Land Registry. The lessee is also entitled to charge rent for the area identified under
the sublease. The term of any agreement or sublease must not extend past the expiry date of the
head lease.
Authorised access to the above-mentioned State-owned land can be obtained by submitting an
application (Land Act Application Form 104) to the NR&M district office in the locality of the
desired site. The application also needs to be accompanied by a sketch or map depicting the land
area to be affected by the application.
Important Note: Siting an apiary on any of the above-mentioned State-owned land without
authorisation may be dealt with as a trespass related act and be subject to payment of a penalty.
NR&M application requirements
When making an application to NR&M for access to the above-mentioned State-owned land,
beekeepers may apply for either a Short Term Permit or a Permit to Occupy.
Short Term Permit
An application fee of $87.80 applies — a Short Term Permit may be issued to a person or organisation
wishing to use an area of Unallocated State land, reserve (that is not already subject to an existing
lease) or road (including Stock Routes) for a short period of time only (up to a maximum of three
months). The occupation of the authorised land does not give the holder exclusive possession of the
land, i.e. the use of the land must co-exist with the purpose for which the land has been set aside.
Therefore, the Short Term Permit may not be sold, subleased or mortgaged.
Permit to occupy
An application fee of $87.80 applies plus other fees as mentioned below — Permits to Occupy are
issued by the State to a permittee on a continuing basis, for a right to occupy or use State-controlled
land, including unallocated State land, roads (including Stock Routes) or reserves, so long as the
annual rent is paid. However, the permit may be cancelled at any time by the Director-General,
NR&M upon giving reasonable notice to the permittee (at least 28 days). This would normally only
occur if the land is required for some changed purpose. As with a Short Term Permit, a Permit to
Occupy does not give the holder exclusive possession of the land, i.e. must be able to co-exist with
the purpose for which the land has been set aside. Therefore, a Permit to Occupy may not be sold,
subleased or mortgaged. If an application for a Permit to Occupy is approved, payment of a $44.25
19

document fee is required, plus the permittee is required to pay an annual rental to NR&M (NOTE: The
current minimum rent for a Permit to Occupy is $75 per annum, payable on or before 1 September
each year). Local government rates may also apply, therefore it may be useful to check the policy of
the relevant Local Government Authority regarding rates. Permittees may voluntarily surrender their
permit if they no longer wish to use the site. Because it can take some time to obtain a Permit to
Occupy, a beekeeper could obtain a Short Term Permit for three months to secure a site, and at the
same time apply for a Permit to Occupy, which will commence after the initial three-month permit
has expired.
In considering the application, NR&M will seek the views of other relevant authorities including:
• the relevant Local Government Authority
• DPI&F Apiary Section
• Trustee of the Reserve (if applicable)
• Department of Main Roads (if applicable — for apiary sites on state-controlled roads for which
NR&M are processing the application)
• Environmental Protection Agency (if applicable — for beehives that are to be sited on a road
through or adjoining a national park or other conservation area).
Prior to submitting the application, the beekeeper may seek the views of the above relevant agencies
and provide this information together with their application to NR&M. By doing this, the time taken
for NR&M to process the application will normally be significantly reduced.
Conditions
Conditions relating to apiary sites vary according to the type of authority issued and the associated
environmental impacts of the siting of the apiary sites on the subject land. However, standard
conditions applicable to all apiary sites authorised under the Land Act are as follows:
• Beekeepers are responsible for abiding by the provisions of the Apiaries Act, in particular
maintaining the required distance from other apiary sites.
• No standing timber is to be destroyed.
• No structural improvements other than moveable improvements are permitted (except boundary
fencing if necessary).
• A public risk policy of insurance is required.
• A bond may be required to ensure the area is left in a clean and tidy condition and that it has
been reinstated to its former status.
Other conditions may also be applied depending on the individual circumstances.
20

Good beekeeping practices
Hive placement
The correct placement of hives is an important consideration for responsible beekeeping. In rural
situations many issues should be considered to minimise impact on neighbouring property,
stock or persons; for example, a horse in the same paddock or adjacent to a property gate or an
apiary close to a dwelling. Bees should not be located within 50 m of an adjoining rural zoned
neighbour’s dwelling.
Hives should also be placed well away from roads, footpaths, parks and school bus stops.
Presumably the pre-issue of a permit on Crown Land or other authority would have already covered
many of the problems that may occur and a designated area will be defined on the permit.
Privately sited apiaries can pose enormous problems if placed incorrectly or overstocked. The following
considerations may minimise some of these problems:
• Hives must not be within 30 m of a main thoroughfare.
• Apiaries should be faced away from bright light sources, e.g. floodlights. A reasonable distance
from bright light sources is 100 m.
• Water and grain feeds can attract high numbers of bees during floral dearth and dry times.
Alternative feed/stores and water should be available to the bees. Therefore, do not place hives
near stock feeding points.
In extreme circumstances an apiary may have to be shifted during the problem period. Regular
communication with the property owner is advised so that any problem may be quickly rectified.
Fire prevention
It is recommended that apiaries be mown and cleaned of debris that could be combustible, such
as branches, twigs and dead grass. It is advisable to construct a firebreak at least 2 m wide around
the apiary to minimise risk to the apiary. Grass and bush fires can destroy apiaries quickly as the
components are highly combustible. The fire risk should be considered carefully when choosing
prospective sites.
Easy access to the apiary in a severe bush fire season is also an important factor.
Beekeepers should conform to all fire bans placed on areas where they have located apiaries.
The lighting of smokers may be strictly prohibited. Check with local fire authorities, e.g. Rural Fire
Brigade Division of Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.
In times of fire risk, it is advisable that the bee smoker be kept in a fireproof container such as a cut
down 20 litre drum. Sparks escaping from the air intake at the base of the smoker are a possible
source of fire.
The reporting of fires is an important community responsibility and should be acted upon
immediately to minimise damage. All clearing of vegetation must take into account possible
restrictions made under the Vegetation Management Act 1999 and Vegetation Management
Plan 2000.
21

Water requirements
Water is essential for all forms of life, including bees. When the hive temperature reaches 32°C bees
become water carriers. As the temperature increases the number of water carriers also increases,
as water is used in the hive for cooling, via evaporation, as well as being a vital part of the bee’s diet.
The provision of water needs to be considered when placing hives in rural areas, as a natural source
may not be suitable (stock watering) or reliable (droughted streams). If this basic requirement is
overlooked, or indeed disappears, bees can become a nuisance at alternative water sources, e.g. taps,
hose fittings or stock watering points. Bees may die from the lack of available water. Therefore, water
should be made available by the beekeeper. Ideally this should be as close as possible to the apiary,
e.g. within 500 m.
A public nuisance may also occur if bees utilising the provided water cross public spaces such as footpaths.
Clean water should be in the capillary form. Wet gravel or a sand bed is excellent but a large drum
with foam floats can also be effective.
Smokers
A bee smoker is one of an apiarist’s basic tools of trade and its use is essential for the correct
manipulation of hives.
A smoker is fuelled by various combustible materials and is used to calm the bees. The action of
smoke through the hive masks any alarm pheromone emitted by the bees. It is advisable to use the
smoker prior to disturbing the hive and during its manipulation.
To prevent or reduce stinging it is recommended to smoke hives before mowing, slashing or using
weed eaters or chainsaws in the vicinity of the hives.
Robbing and working hives
Avoid working bees when conditions are poor, that is during cool or rainy weather or when little
nectar and pollen are available. If conditions are poor and the bees start to rob they become savage
and the potential for trouble increases.
Beekeepers should consider their neighbours when they need to work bees, and ensure their
neighbours are not working or relaxing outdoors at the time. Try to make hive manipulations as short
as possible so there is minimal disturbance to the bees.
A suggested useful way of removing honey supers is to place clearer boards in the hive overnight.
Clearer boards are available from beekeeping suppliers. The use of these boards is detailed in
husbandry books such as the DPI&F publication by P. Warhurst and R. Goebel (1995), The Bee Book
— beekeeping in the warmer areas of Australia.
Prevention of robbing
Robber bees are workers, usually from neighbouring hives, that appear when honey is exposed.
When foraging conditions are unfavourable, robber activity increases and can be a real nuisance,
leading to potential hazards as the frenzy escalates.
22

The beekeeper should not expose cappings, sticky combs or honeycombs for bees to rob. Cease hive
manipulation if robbing commences.
Hazards include:
• increased spread of disease, e.g. American Foulbrood Disease (AFB) spread between hives and even
between apiaries
• unsafe working conditions for the apiarist
• unsafe areas for property owners and stock
• possible killing of one or many hives by fighting workers.
Bees working coastal flora, Stradbroke Island
Managing swarms
Swarming is a natural instinct of honeybees and occurs mainly in spring to early summer.
Whenever possible, swarms should be collected and domesticated in a spare hive. This will reduce
the risk of them becoming a nuisance if they fly to nearby properties and establish in houses, trees
or similar sites.
Honeybee colonies must be managed to prevent or minimise swarming. Suitable management
practices are described in books such as the DPI&F publication by P. Warhurst and R. Goebel, (1995),
The Bee Book — beekeeping in the warmer areas of Australia.
To reduce the incidence of swarms, beekeepers are advised to divide the colony of honeybees into
two or more units as the swarming season approaches. This will reduce the population and the
likelihood of swarming. The reuniting of these units can take place later in order to reduce the
number of hives. This procedure is known as artificial swarming and the practice is effective in
removing the swarming impulse.
23

Other factors, such as the provision of additional supers for brood rearing and honey storage, and
the replacement of old or failing queens, may also reduce the swarming impulse.
It should not be immediately assumed that swarms found in the vicinity of managed hives have,
in fact, issued from these particular hives. Swarms issuing from other hives, and in particular feral
colonies, may fly into nearby managed apiaries.
Capturing swarms
Beekeepers must take responsibility for a swarm that has issued from one of their colonies and
whenever possible capture it as soon as it has formed into a cluster.
Swarm enquiries are handled through the DPI&F Call Centre by referring to a recent list of
beekeepers prepared to collect swarms in the caller’s area. Some individuals nominate a charge
for this service.
Docile strains of bees
Honeybee colonies managed in rural areas should be maintained with young queens of a docile
strain. Docile queens are specially bred and sold by queen breeders.
Docility is one of the main selection criteria along with high honey production.
Site responsibilities
Beekeepers have a responsibility to property owners in the correct usage of apiary sites on
private lands. Correct usage not only encompasses the tangible issues such as responsible apiary
maintenance and effective bee husbandry, but it also means maintaining and presenting a credible
image on behalf of the industry as a whole.
Important issues that should be highlighted are:
• appropriate arrangements for any locked gates
• open communication on the nature of occupancy
• notification to owner of entry to property, especially out of hours
• providing owners with a gift of honey over and above any negotiated monetary agreement.
Failure to observe these fundamental principles may result in irreparable damage to the relationship
between owner and beekeeper. This not only affects the beekeeper at fault but also impacts on other
beekeepers as well.
It is also worth noting that property owners often have further links to other land holdings through
relations or alternative networks.
24

Transporting hives
Methods of shifting
Ideally hives should be shifted by one of the following methods.
Open entrance transport
• This is the most common way of shifting hives.
• Hives are loaded at dusk or at night and the bees allowed to settle.
• Travel is undertaken at night and destination is reached before daylight.
• Bees are unloaded after arrival, preferably at daybreak.
Closed entrance transport
• This method allows an owner to shift bees a short distance and unload without being stung.
• Hives must be fitted with adequate ventilation so bees do not suffocate.
• Beehives can be shifted in a utility or a conventional station wagon vehicle.
• Beehives can be closed at night. After the bees cluster at the entrance they are smoked and driven
inside the hive.
• Hives should be shifted at night when all bees are at home and when temperatures are coolest.
Netted bee transport
• The use of nets allows beekeepers to move hives during the day and at night.
• Bees need to be loaded at night or dusk.
• Nets must be secure enough to contain bees in transit and not flap in the breeze. A strong
commercially available fine mesh is suitable.
• Bees can be shifted during daylight hours provided temperatures are not too high.
• Trucks should not be parked near bright lights, e.g. at service stations. This will lessen the
likelihood of bees becoming excited or escaping and causing a public nuisance.
Accidents
An accident involving a load of live bees is the worst nightmare for beekeepers, motorists and emergency
services personnel. The incident becomes more critical as daylight appears after a night accident.
The beekeeper, if unhurt, needs to provide advice and assistance. The beekeeper should also provide
contact details of other beekeepers who may be able to help.
If possible the DPI&F Apiary Section should also be alerted, as information in the registration
database may be useful in contacting other beekeepers. DPI&F officers may also be able to assist.
If beehives are damaged in the accident the preferred method of killing hives is to spray the bees with
detergent water. This will kill most bees that threaten to sting the people at the scene of the accident.
Water is also essential to clean up spilt honey.
Fire and Police Services would generally be called to help at such an event.
25

Breakdown services
If a breakdown occurs whilst en route to another bee site with loaded bees, it is advisable to:
• Unload the bees at the point of breakdown. This obviously will only be possible if the geography
and conditions are suitable. Permission should be sought from relevant emergency authorities.
A one-day stay may be all that is required or allowed.
• Contact a beekeeper on the QBA breakdown list. The list below details members in many
Queensland towns who are prepared to assist either by themselves or through local contacts.
Contacts for breakdown services
Town Name and address Telephone
Aratula
Laurie Dewar, Lake Moogerah Road
(07) 5463 5633
0419 658 831
Caboolture Syd Pedwell, 17 Ibis Court (07) 5495 2642
Canungra
Mal Alroy, 14 Millie Court
(07) 5443 5609
0418 749 669
Cecil Plains Les Organ-Moore, ‘Matilda Hill’, Dunmore Rd (07) 4668 0334
Childers Adrian Jones, MS 315, Cordalba (07) 4126 6233
Chinchilla Rodney Smith, 30 Claydon Street (07) 4668 9657
Deception Bay Tony Knight, 76 Lipscombe Road (07) 3204 2343
Glasshouse Barry Williams, Lot 8 Romar Road (07) 5493 0510
Maryborough Roy and Peter Barnes, Teddington Road (07) 4129 7224
Nambour Duncan McMartin, Lot 7 Sports Road, Bli Bli (07) 5448 5300
Mapleton Bob Johnson (07) 5445 7512
Redcliffe
Trevor and Faye Evans, 63 Deans Street, Margate
(07) 3284 8416
0416 004 066
Tenterfield Merv Magnay, 6 Aldershot Road (02) 6736 3234
Beekeepers need to be highly conscious of public safety and their own safety when dealing with a nighttime
breakdown. Two-way radios and mobile phones are almost essential for emergency communication.
26

Honey, Sheds and Quality Assurance
Honey
The community is increasingly demanding the availability of wholesome food products free from
additives and contaminants. There are also food regulation laws that producers have to comply with
in order to sell their products. Adopting auditable quality control measures such as Hazard Analysis
Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a key factor to a QA program. Honey that meets these requirements
is vital for the continued viability of the Australian apiary industry. These influences are even more
critical on the world market. The factors mentioned in this section reflect quality issues of Australian
honey and ultimately affect prices and returns to apiarists. The beekeeping industry has a credible
QA program called BQUAL that is specific to apiary management and offers all the requirements that
national legislation demands.
Sheds
Local government environmental health sections regulate food-handling procedures. Beekeepers
need to be reminded that they are handling a food product and must ensure that their extraction
facilities and storage areas meet prescribed standards.
Any premises where food is kept for sale or preparation, packing, storing, handling, serving, supplying
or conveying for sale must comply with the requirements of the Food Act and the Food Hygiene
Regulations. These requirements specify the need for licensing and registration, structure of the
premises and accessories (i.e. floors, walls, ceilings, hand basins, cold/hot storage, etc.) as well as
operation and food handling (i.e. storage temperatures, hand washing, cleaning, etc.).
Beekeepers engaged in the packaging of honey into containers must ensure that the area in which
this occurs complies with the Food Act and the Food Hygiene Regulations. Vinyl or tile flooring,
impervious ceilings and walls, and vermin-proof storage for containers will be required. A hand
washbasin, along with a separate area to wash utensils, is also a necessity.
If beekeepers are only storing pre-packaged honey in sealed containers, with no further processing
or packaging to be undertaken, exemptions may be granted. However, a vermin-proof storage area is
still required to protect the food against contamination.
Local Council is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of these requirements, along with
licensing and registration. These bodies may also have their specific requirements. The information
provided here is a guide only, and beekeepers should contact the Environmental Health Officer from
their Local Government for specific information.
Quality assurance
As indicated above, beekeepers need to be aware of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
systems of hazard analysis. HACCP is important to honey producers and packers alike and will play
an increased role in future marketing and sales of honey.
The basic principles of HACCP are:
• identifying hazards, e.g. microbiological or chemical contamination of honey
• applying procedures and controls to prevent hazards
• documenting all procedures
• frequent auditing of procedures.
27

Contamination of honey or other hive products with heavy metals or microbiological residue will
affect honey sales (domestic and export) and reflect poorly on Australia’s previous record as a
producer of quality honey and allied products.
Possible sources of contamination are lead from solder in old extractors, and antibiotic residue from
the misuse or inappropriate use of oxytetracycline.
BQUAL is a functioning program in the beekeeping industry that provides training, auditing and
accreditation. BQUAL Pty Ltd is managed by AUS-QUAL Pty Ltd. AUS-QUAL is a Registered Training
Organisation (RTO) and also complies with the international standard of certification of quality
management systems ISO 9001—2000.
Enquiries for AUS-QUAL should be directed to Bevan Blacklock or Andrew Little on 1800 630 890
and BQUAL enquiries to AHBIC office on 02 9221 0911.
Product labelling
Food labelling legislation is administered by two state government departments and producer/packers
and packers have to meet correct labelling regulations.
The relevant regulators are:
• Department of Equity and Fair Trading, Trade Measurement Section
• Queensland Health — Environmental Health.
Contact details are listed on pages 29 and 30.
To ensure compliance with Trade Measurement requirements and to avoid short measures,
processors must:
• Use a certified and approved type of scale. Do not use kitchen scales, bathroom scales or any
other non-trade scale.
• Conduct all weighing on a net weight basis. Processors can only charge for the product itself and
must make an allowance for any packaging material, e.g. plastic tubs or steel drums.
• Clearly mark every pre-packed article with a statement of net weight, in the prescribed print height.
• Clearly mark your full name and address on all pre-packed articles, unless the articles are pre-packed
and sold to the final consumer on the same premises.
Please note! These guidelines offer only basic information. When in doubt, seek professional advice.
Queensland Health regulates the packaging and labelling of honey with reference to food quality.
Some requirements are:
• an appropriate designation, e.g. honey, ironbark honey
• name and street address of packer
• country of origin, e.g. Product of Australia
• batch code or if honey has shelf life of

Department of Equity and Fair Trading contacts
Trade Measurement Section Offices
Brisbane
383 Boundary Street,
PO Box 507, Spring Hill Q 4004
Phone: (07) 3836 0411
Fax: (07) 3836 0424
Rockhampton
34 East Street,
PO Box 303, Rockhampton Q 4700
Phone: (07) 4920 6644
Fax: (07) 4920 6688
Bundaberg
First Floor, Bundaberg Court House, Quay Street,
PO Box 5398, West Bundaberg Q 4670
Phone: (07) 4153 3997
Fax: (07) 4153 3975
Southport
7–11 Short Street,
PO Box 2565, Southport Q 4215
Phone: (07) 5581 3346
Fax: (07) 5581 3388
Cairns
Ground Level, Cairns Court House, 5 Sheridan Street,
PO Box 2362, Cairns Q 4870
Phone: (07) 4042 3345
Fax: (07) 4042 3388
Toowoomba
Toowoomba Court House, 159 Hume Street
PO Box 841, Toowoomba Q 4350
Phone: (07) 4637 6030
Fax: (07) 4637 6040
Maroochydore
Ground Floor, Maroochydore Court House, Cornmeal Parade,
PO Box 870, Maroochydore Q 4558
Phone: (07) 5430 8944
Fax: (07) 5430 8988
29

Health Department contacts
District Environmental Health Services Offices
Brisbane North
184 St Pauls Terrace, Spring Hill Q 4000
PO Box 1507, Valley Q 4006
Postcodes: 4000–4067, 4069–4070, 4500–4521
Phone: (07) 3250 8509
Brisbane South
First Floor, QHPSS Building, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains
PO Box 333, Archerfield Q 4108
Postcodes: 4068, 4073–4077, 4101–4133, 4151–4184
Phone: (07) 3000 9145
Bundaberg
141 Long Street, Old Hervey Bay Hospital, Pt Vernon, Bundaberg
PO Box 724, Pialba Q 4655
Postcodes: 4600–4631, 4641, 4650–4677
Phone: (07) 4150 2780
Cairns
Ground Floor, Aplin House, 19 Aplin Street, Cairns
PO Box 1103, Cairns Q 4870
Postcodes: 4816–4849, 4852–4886
Phone: (07) 4050 3601
Mackay
Community Health Centre, 12–14 Nelson Street, Mackay
PO Box 688, Mackay Q 4740
Postcodes: 4707–4721, 4737–4803
Phone: (07) 4968 3858
Maroochydore
150 Horton Parade, Maroochydore
PO Box 577, Maroochydore Q 4558
Postcodes: 4516–4519, 4550–4575, 4580–4581
Phone: (07) 5479 4655
Rockhampton
First Floor, Public Health Centre, 82–86 Bolsover Street,
PO Box 949, Rockhampton Q 4700
Postcodes: 4472, 4481–4482, 4678, 4680, 4694–4736, 4829
Phone: (07) 4920 6989
30

Southport
10-12 Young Street, Southport,
PO Box 267, Southport Q 4215
Postcodes: 4205–4230, 4270–4272, 4275, 4280, 4285, 4287
Phone: (07) 5509 7222
Toowoomba
3 Bell Street, Toowoomba,
PO Box 1775, Toowoomba Q 4350
Postcodes: 4343–46, 4350-62, 4380-88, 4370–78, 4390, 4400–08, 4410–19, 4420–28, 4454–55,
4461–68, 4470, 4474, 4475, 4477, 4480, 4486, 4489, 4490–4494, 4496–98
Phone: (07) 4631 9888
Townsville
Nathan Business Centre 340 Ross River Road,
Locked Bag 16, Aitkenvale Q 4810
Postcodes: 4804–4825, 4828, 4830, 4850, 4890–4891
Phone: (07) 4750 4020
West Moreton
33 Smiths Road,
PO Box 188, Goodna Q 4300
Postcodes: 4300–4313, 4340–4343, 4346
Phone: (07) 3818 5001
Not in Queensland
GPO Box 48, Brisbane, 4001
Postcodes: Interstate and overseas applications only
Phone: (07) 3234 0967
31

Disease control
American Foulbrood (AFB) control program
The DPI&F has shared commitment with the apiary industry in Queensland to control AFB in
managed colonies.
The strategies adopted include culturing of bulk honey samples for the presence of AFB disease agent
to detect infected apiaries, inspections by Apiary Officers to identify individual infected hives and
subsequent destruction and/or sterilisation of beekeeping equipment and an extension program.
Beekeepers also have an ongoing responsibility to inspect their own hives for brood diseases.
Also, the adoption of an agreed AFB management plan by each infected apiary owner is critical to
the control of this serious disease. Movement restrictions or quarantines may be applied to noncooperative
beekeepers.
AFB awareness field days and inspections on infected apiaries are conducted to train beekeepers in
field diagnoses of most diseases focusing chiefly on AFB.
Honeybee laboratory
A honeybee diagnostic and research facility is located at the DPI&F Animal Research Institute
(ARI) at Yeerongpilly in Brisbane. This laboratory is specifically designed to service the honeybee
industry in Queensland and has the capacity to diagnose the major bacterial, viral, fungal and
diseases of honeybees.
Samples for disease diagnoses can be submitted to the laboratory by individual beekeepers and a
completed Advice Sheet must accompany samples. These Advice Sheets are available from the Apiary
staff section and contact numbers are listed on page 34.
The honeybee laboratory supports the AFB control program by processing honey samples. A 100 mL
sample of bulk honey is cultured for AFB disease agent and results mailed to the owner.
Collecting samples for AFB testing
It is important that:
• honey samples represent all of the hives in a particular operation so an accurate picture of disease
status can be obtained
• clean honey samples, free of wax/comb and debris, are required for testing
• candied honey can be tested
• a Honey Sample Advice Sheet must accompany each honey sample submitted for testing.
Interpretation of AFB positive test results
Honey testing positive for AFB is rated from 1+ to 3+.
• 1+ reading means 1–20 AFB bacterial colonies are present on the culture plate.
• 2+ reading means 21–50 AFB bacterial colonies are present on the culture plate.
• 3+ reading means more than 50 AFB bacterial colonies are present on the cultural plate.
These scores indicate the likelihood of clinical signs of AFB being present in the hives from which the
honey sample has originated. A 3+ score means that clinical signs of disease will almost certainly be
present. However, a 1+ score indicates that there is approximately a 56% chance that clinical signs
of AFB will be present in the brood frames of a hive or hives represented by the honey sample.
32

Testing for other diseases
Other samples can be submitted to the honeybee laboratory for testing for other diseases.
These samples include:
• adult bees for testing for Nosema (at least 20 adult bees)
• brood samples for testing for AFB, European foulbrood (EFB) and Chalkbrood
• larvae for viral testing (at least 20).
Inspection of beehive for diseases
33

DPI Apiary staff
Name and address
Wendy Ward, Senior Scientist
Animal Research Institute
Locked Mail Bag 4, Moorooka Q 4105
Peter Warhurst, Senior Apiary Officer
Locked Mail Bag 17
Warwick Q 4370
Hamish Lamb, Apiary Officer
PO Box 5083 SCMC
Nambour Q 4560
Patricia Greer, Apiary Officer
Animal Research Institute
Locked Mail Bag 4, Moorooka Q 4105
Diane Werner, Apiary Registrations
Locked Mail Bag 17
Warwick Q 4370
Ross Newman, Senior Veterinary Officer
Locked Mail Bag 17
Warwick Q 4370
Contact details
Phone: (07) 3362 9446
Fax: (07) 3362 9440
Email: wendy.ward@dpi.qld.gov.au
Phone: (07) 4661 6623
Fax: (07) 4661 5329
Mobile: 0428 616 623
Email: peter.warhurst@dpi.qld.gov.au
Phone: (07) 5444 9613
Fax: (07) 5476 2855
Mobile: 0428 190 817
Email: hamish.lamb@dpi.qld.gov.au
Phone: (07) 3362 9684
Fax: (07) 3362 9440
Mobile: 0428 662 046
Email: patricia.greer@dpi.qld.gov.au
Phone: (07) 4661 6604
Fax: (07) 4661 5329
Email: diane.werner@dpi.qld.gov.au
Phone: (07) 4661 6610
Fax: (07) 4661 5329
Mobile: 0417 721 445
Email: ross.newman@dpi.qld.gov.au
Suggested reading
Warhurst, P. and Goebel, R. (1995). The Bee Book — beekeeping in the warmer areas of Australia.
Department of Primary Industries, Queensland. ISSN 0727-6273.
Available from DPI Publications, GPO Box 46, Brisbane Q 4001.
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