Queensland’s beekeeping industry is set to receive a major boost, with the State Government rolling out a $500,000 Community Bee Innovation Fund (CBIF) to tackle the threat of varroa mite—one of the most destructive pests facing honeybee populations worldwide.
Over the next three years, grants between $5,000 and $50,000 will be available to fund innovative projects aimed at strengthening biosecurity, improving varroa mite education, and developing management tools to protect the state’s beekeeping and pollination-reliant industries.
While Queensland remains free of varroa mite, recent detections in the NSW border town of Boggabilla have raised concerns about its potential spread. First detected in New South Wales in June 2022, the tiny parasite devastates beehives and poses a serious risk to Queensland’s $75 million honey industry and the $2.4 billion economic value of pollination services.
The grants will fully fund projects that either:
Deliver innovative varroa mite education and training, or
Develop innovative varroa mite management tools.
Beekeeping clubs, universities, local governments, agricultural businesses, and industry bodies are all encouraged to apply.
In addition to this initiative, the Crisafulli Government is reinforcing Queensland’s biosecurity with 100 new biosecurity officers over the next four years, ensuring stronger protection for primary industries.
Applications for the CBIF grants are now open, providing a crucial opportunity to help safeguard Queensland’s bee populations before the pest reaches the state.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said strong and responsive biosecurity is 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,” Minister 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.”
Round 1 of the grant program has opened, with applications closing at 5pm AEST on 24 March 2025.
For more information on the Community Bee Innovation Fund and how to apply, visit Community Bee Innovation Fund | Department of Primary Industries, Queensland
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