Why join the Queensland Beekeepers' Association? 

The Queensland Beekeepers’ Association or QBA for short, was established in 1886 for the main reason ‘to provide a means whereby Apiarists may be represented through a common organisation for the welfare of the industry’.

As the industry body for beekeepers in Queensland, the QBA represents all beekeepers by liaising with government, including Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Department of Environment and Science, Department of Main Roads and Transport, Department of Resources, local level councils and a range of other agricultural and industry dependent stakeholders.

The QBA continues to successfully represent industry across a wide range of dynamic challenges. Below are a small list of issues the QBA played a pivotal role in the amendment of policy and programs.

• The QBA has been successful in advocating for lifting bans on urban beekeeping with various local councils who banned bees.

• Response to the detection of varroa mite in the Port of Newcastle June 2022. As the state industry body the QBA has represented the beekeepers of Queensland since the notice of detection. We have continued representation on the Varroa mite Prevention and Preparedness Program and continue to lead advocacy efforts to ensure the state is prepared for the imminent arrival of varroa. 

• We continue to contribute through consultation to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, introducing a dedicated Bee Biosecurity officer into Qld to support the growing population of beekeepers in Queensland.

• 20-year extension of access to National Park apiary sites. Delivery surety for beekeepers, farmers and everyone who depends on a strong and resilient food and fibre sector. 

• Border access provisions for the Queensland honey bee industry during 673 days of hard state border closures introduced through Government directives to reduce and limit the spread of COVID-19. QBA represented QLD honey bee sector daily at key stakeholder meetings, in turn providing a continual source of direct contact to support industry through its day to day operations, and support to Government during the height of the global health pandemic from 2020 until 2022 to maintain surety of supply chains.

A key component to our strategic charter is to inform and influence, practical and meaningful policies to ensure we have the collective means to protect and preserve our beekeeping freedoms. 

Why is the QBA an important body to all beekeepers in Queensland? 

• We offer broad access to industry information, experience, experts and connection to science.
• Our extensive network of contacts within Queensland Ministerial portfolios and Senior Government officials allow the QBA to represent industry at the highest Government level in QLD.
• On-time and up to date notifications of Biosecurity incursions and detections through our involvement with National Bee Pest Program which detects exotic pests and disease, and our representation on the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP), i.e. directly representing the Queensland honey bee industry during biosecurity incursions, detections and eradication programs.
• Education extension programs and events activations held at various school groups through AgConnect, Moo Baa Munch, Rural Discovery Day and other educational activities.
• Our ongoing involvement in the Brisbane Ekka each year. Since the late 1880's the QBA provides educational experiences, honey tasting and a good yarn to anyone who wants to listen to us talk about our wonderful bees. 
• A reliable source of factual and accurate information to media outlets.
• Our involvement in the National Queen breeding program which has identified which strain of bees suits your area.
• QBA provides hands-on training of QDAF staff and Bee Biosecurity Officers during mock incursion exercises. 

Governance Structure of the QBA

QBA is run by a professional Management Committee elected by their peers, all of whom are QBA members volunteering their time away from their bees, business, and family life to represent the members of the QBA and greater honey bee industry.

Each QBA branch elects a representative to sit on the QBA Management team, elevating regional concerns to the state discussion table.

The QBA's operations, event management and policy directions and advocacy are managed and coordinated by our State Secretary who is appointed as the spokesperson for our industry. This role is supported by our part-time administrative support officer. 

QBA continues to have a proud and rich history representing the needs, interests, welfare and future of beekeeping in Queensland.

Becoming a member of the QBA allows your industry body to build adequate resources to:

• increase our engagement with the Queensland honey bee sector,
• enhance education & support programs for all beekeepers,
• and build a robust and ready, 'representative policy team' with the capacity to deliver successful outcomes on the issues that matter most to the beekeepers of Queensland. 

Supporting our clubs and the QBA ultimately boosts our targeted efforts to deliver meaningful policy outcomes and practical support programs, protecting and preserving beekeeping as a recreational activity and a sustainable, resilient and robust commercial sector. 

We welcome new members to come and join our likeminded community and support the future of beekeeping in Queensland.