Qld government unveils $500k fund to combat deadly varroa mite after a discovery near southern Queensland border
The Queensland government has put out a round of grants to combat the deadly varroa mite weeks after it was found on the border town of Boggabilla. MORE HERE.
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Southern Queensland has been put on alert for varroa mite, a deadly parasitic mite that attacks bees, after three apiaries were found to be infected along the NSW and Queensland border in late January.
Considered one of the most significant threats to bee populations in Australia, the mite feeds on bees, weakening them and shortening their life, resulting in the devastation to bee colonies which in turn reduces agricultural output which relies on bee pollination.
The infected apiaries were found over in Queensland-NSW border town of Boggabilla and were first detected in NSW in June 2022.
The Crisafulli government has announced a $500,000 Community Bee Innovation Fund which will deliver grants of $5000 to $50,000 towards innovative projects to prepare and protect Queensland’s beekeeping and related industries over the next three years.
In a statement Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said strong and responsive biosecurity was critical to the ongoing success of Queensland’s agricultural industries.
“This project empowers beekeepers, researchers and industry groups to develop creative solutions that strengthen our defences against varroa mite,” Mr Perrett said.
“It’s one of the many projects Queensland is working on to protect the sustainability of our beekeeping and pollination industries, which are crucial to our food security and economy.”
The grants will fully fund projects that either deliver innovative varroa mite education and training or develop innovate varroa mite management tools.
Applications for round one of the grant program are now open and will close at 5pm AEST on March 24.
More information and how to apply can be found on the Department of Primary Industries website.
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