Beekeepers in New South Wales will soon be able to move their hives for pollination services and honey production under a new plan announced by Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders.
From next week, commercial beekeepers can apply for movement permits as long as they are outside of a varroa mite biosecurity zone.
It comes after the deadly parasite was discovered in sentinel hives in the Port of Newcastle last month, which triggered a stop movement order on all honey bee hives across the state.
Mr Saunders said the change would allow the pollination season to start.
"We know varroa mite is the biggest threat to honey bees worldwide," he said.
Biosecurity zones are in place in New South Wales, in the Hunter Valley, Mid North Coast, Central Coast and Narrabri, where beehives have been destroyed.
The kill order covers commercial and backyard operators.
Plan welcomed, but precaution needed
Commercial beekeepers will be required to complete an online training course, have alcohol-washed their hives, so they are varroa mite free and prove that none of their hives has been in the biosecurity zones.
"We need all beekeepers who want to be involved in pollination activities to do their part by minimising their risk," Mr Saunders said.
The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council has welcomed the plan.
Its chief executive Danny LeFeuvre said the measures would give the industry confidence to move honey bees again.
"This plan to allow the movement of commercial beehives for pollination and honey production gives business continuity to the honey bee industry while minimising the risk of spreading varroa mite", Mr Le Feuvre said.
It's also been backed by the Almond Board of Australia, with its chief executive Tim Jackson saying almond growers are back on track to produce a crop worth more than $ 200 million next summer.
Beekeepers welcome move
Alan Elks is a fifth-generation beekeeper based at Glenreagh on the New South Wales Mid North Coast.
He said the change had come at a good time for his business.
"It's really good news because we can get our hives off the coast, on the wintering sites and get them back inland for breeding and hopefully some honey flows," he said.
Mr Elks said he would be moving his 550 hives right away.
"We're getting ready to move now as soon as the DPI gives us the OK, we're out of the coast," he said.
While Mr Elks does not do pollination services, he said many apiarists that do would be pleased.
"I know a lot of guys who do pollination, and that's all they do," he said.
"They don't even bother with honey, and that [moving hives] would be a great thing for them, you know.
