Industry Updates

Although beekeeping maybe a career for some, for many it is an enjoyable recreational activity. Regardless of what your beekeeping background is, or your level of investment in the industry, staying informed of the latest industry developments and news is essential for every beekeeper across the state. 

From the latest media buzz around bees, to the concern and threat posed from honey bee pests and diseases, this section of the QBA website is dedicated to supporting our industry. 

We welcome suggestions and feedback on the content you'd like to see on this page. Please send any feedback to info@qbabees.org.au and one of the team will explore your suggestions. 

Varroa destructor was detected in Newcastle NSW on the 22 June 2022. Varroa mite presents a significant threat to Australian honey bees. The parasitic mite is a host to a number of diseases yet to reach Australian shores. 

Whilst the decision was made to transition to management of the mite in September 2023 every beekeeper in Australia must be on watch for this tiny enemy. Beekeepers are urged to take immediate action and monitor for the mite's arrival in Queensland.  

Varroa mite will become established across the Australian environment and every Australian household will eventually feel the impacts of the mite. As our beekeepers battle to manage mite populations, Australian households will feel the squeeze through the decline in production of our world class honey varieties, to the decline in honey bee populations, ultimately impacting the supply of managed honey bees for the pollination of  35 crops varieties.

Industry and Government are working closely together on the national transition to management program and all Queensland based beekeepers are actively encouraged to support the QBA as we all migrate our journey into the new era of Australian beekeeping. 

For more information on varroa and the Queensland's transition to management activities, please visit the QBA's Varroa mite portal. 


Blog posts

  • 2024 Pollination Season Top Tips - For Beekeepers and Growers

    05 September 2024 8:36 PM | Anonymous

    The 2024 Queensland Pollination Season is upon us and we've prepared a few useful tips for beekeepers and growers to help manage the 'buzzy' season ahead.

    Tip 1. Communication is key. Beekeepers and growers should use the BeeConnected app. 

    Tip 2. Get the neighbours connected too! Increasing the visibility of bees on farm protects the safety and wellbeing of bees whilst providing pollination services. 

    Tip 3. Be mindful of crop protection activities. Sprays to manage pests and disease can be harmful to bees while the hives are on site and often chemical residues can penetrate the brood wax causing unexpected colony loss long after the pollination event has occurred. 

    Tip 4. In the event of any unexpected or unexplained bee deaths: 

    1. Collect a sample of bees to be tested and send them to the Biosecurity Sciences Laboratory  Phone: 07 3708 8762
    2. Start a conversation with the grower/beekeeper. Keep it rational
    3. Lodge an Adverse Experience Report with the APVMA (Click here to learn more)
    4. Remember it's in everyone's best interest to understand what has happened and to develop a collective understanding of how to prevent the issue arising in the future. 
    5. Consider these additional points: 
    • The chemical may not have been used on the farm the bees are located on
    • The dew may have reconstituted the chemical 
    • Lethal dose of chemicals may not be detectable in some Lab tests. Collect a reasonable sample and if in doubt call the lab. 

  • Proof of Freedom Declaration - Townsville

    12 August 2021 6:54 PM | Anonymous

    It gives the QBA  great confidence to advise the National Varroa Mite Eradication Program (operational through out 2020/21) has successfully eradicated varroa mite from the Port of Townsville and surrounding area. 

    QBA State Secretary Jo Martin and Minister Mark Furner collaborated a media release to signify the formal declaration of proof of freedom from this most recent biosecurity detection and threat to the Australian beekeeping industry and those industry's dependent on strong healthy honey bees for pollination. 

    The QBA would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone involved in this successful program. Through dedication and absolute professionalism, the team must be congratulated for their efforts. 

    We encourage our members to read the following media release. 


    Click here to read the media release.


  • Biosecurity Queensland E-ALERT - Asian Honey Bees

    02 September 2019 5:29 PM | Anonymous

    Biosecurity E-ALERT

    Asian Honey Bees (Apis Cerana) have been detected in the Port of Townsville in May 2019. Teams from Biosecurity Queensland are currently on the ground within the Townsville region conducting surveillance and monitoring for the pest. 

    Please see the E-ALERT link below for more information:

    Qld Biosecurity E-Alert_Varroa_detection_June_2019.pdf

    Information and example images of the Asian Honey bee can be found at the link below:

    https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/biosecurity/animal-biosecurity-welfare/animal-health-pests-diseases/beekeeping-in-queensland/diseases-and-pests/asian-


    Please report all sightings of the Asian Honey Bee (APIS Cerana) within the Townsville and surrounding region to:

    Pest alert

    Any bee coming into Australia may carry unwanted bee pests and diseases. If you suspect a new incursion of bees in an international airport or seaport, contact the Australian Government's Department of Agriculture and Water Resources on 1800 803 006. To report bees outside air or seaports contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25 23.

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