Guidelines For Rural Beekeeping In Queensland

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
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