General News
30 June, 2026
Pest could wreck beehives
A FAR Northern honey provider fears a deadly pest could decimate the region’s bee population.
Beekeeper Graham Thornton said the deadly varroa mite was on its way and the focus was now to look after bees.
“The team at Honey Providore are calling on all levels of government, communities, policymakers and industry leaders to do more in the fight against the deadly varroa mite,” he said.
Mr Thornton said Australia’s beekeeping Industry was on a precipice since the arrival of varroa mite, a new incursion into Queensland, which is chemical-resistant.
“For many outside our industry, the arrival of varroa mite may seem like a problem affecting bees alone,” he said.
“For those of us living it every day, the reality is far more confronting.
“Varroa is affecting businesses, families, livelihoods, food production and the future of pollination in Australia.”
Mr Thornton said Australia was the last major honey-producing nation in the world to remain free of varroa mite.
“Today, Australian beekeepers are being forced to adapt to a challenge that other countries have spent decades learning to manage,” he said.
“Across the country, colonies now require constant monitoring and treatment simply to survive.
“What was once a relatively low-intervention industry has become a relentless battle against a pest that has devastated honey bee populations worldwide.
“The warning signs are already here.”
Australia is home to more than 47,000 registered beekeepers and approximately 855,000 managed honey bee hives. Together, these bees support, not only honey production, but also the pollination services that underpin much of Australian agriculture.
Industry surveys conducted between 2024 and 2026 show the growing pressure being placed on beekeepers as they adapt to managing varroa.
AgriFutures Australia reports that beekeepers in affected regions spend an average of more than 390 additional hours each year managing and treating their colonies. That is the equivalent of more than 10 weeks of full-time work dedicated solely to keeping bees alive.
At the same time, operating costs continue to rise, production is declining and hive losses are mounting.
“Don’t be surprised if you start seeing more imported fruits and vegetables at the supermarkets over the next few years,” Mr Thornton said.
“Talking to fellow beekeepers in southeast Queensland, the numbers are devastating, beekeepers are seeing 80 to 90% losses in colonies, with many saying the new varroa incursion has brought a new virus into Australia, and if we don’t prepare for that, our bees won’t survive.
“Our operation will condense to our Atherton facility, and our shop front facility in Bungalow will close, and be replaced by a ‘mobile beekeeping shop’ to continue to support local hobbyist beekeepers and our honey lovers that buy honey direct from a beekeeper.”
Last year the Queensland Government set aside $500,000 to manage the mite with grants awarded to ariohyus bodies to help mangage the pest.
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said these grants would be used by organisations undertaking education and management initiatives into the highly destructive pest, to drive better awareness and biosecurity preparedness.
“Biosecurity underpins everything that we do, which is why we are investing in Queensland research and innovation to secure the state’s beekeeping and pollination industries now and well into the future,” he said.
“Beekeeping and honey production is a key driver of our economy and agricultural exports, which includes honey, which is an incredibly prized commodity, particularly in Asian markets.
“This investment compliments our commitment to hire 100 biosecurity officers across the state this term.
Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers chief executive officer Rachel Chambers said the grant was being used strategically.
“We’re using this funding to support the shift from long-standing handshake arrangements to a more coordinated, planned approach to pollination – a move that ensures successful crop outcomes for our growers, while also supporting healthy, productive bees and the continued supply of premium Australian honey,” she said.
Read More: Far North