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Nationals call for urgent action to protect Victorian agriculture and honey industry from Varroa mite threat

The Nationals demand urgent action to protect Victoria's agriculture and honey industry from the varroa mite threat, emphasising its potential catastrophic impact on honeybee populations and crop pollination.

By news@gippsland - 4th September 2023 - Back to News

The Nationals are demanding immediate action from the Andrews government to protect Victoria's agriculture industry and honey producers to stop an extensive outbreak of varroa mite in the state. Varroa mite has the potential to have a catastrophic impact on Gippsland's honeybee populations and our agricultural industries that rely on crop pollination to thrive. Australia was free of varroa mite until June 2022 when its presence was detected on the New South Wales coast.

Victoria allows beekeepers in Purple Zones to relocate hives with new permits, prioritising bee health and floral resources amid Varroa mite surveillance, latest update states that Victoria remains Varroa mite free

Concerns over Varroa Mite

Questioning Labor's Minister for Agriculture in State Parliament, The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath said Australia has had over 14 months notice of this pest being an enormous threat to our agricultural industry. "The Nationals have warned the Minister for Agriculture that her department must have a comprehensive plan to deploy resources and prevent a widespread varroa mite outbreak in Victoria.

"Last winter I met with members of the Gippsland Apiarists Association in Wiseleigh, East Gippsland to discuss industry concerns on the mites possibly spreading to Victoria and have held recent follow up conversations. Commercial apiarists and honey producers are fearful the Andrews government hasn't been sufficiently proactive in early detection and the implementation of control strategies. This highly destructive pest has now been detected in Sunraysia on the Victorian border and the possibility of further spread is significant," she said.

Risk on bee biosecurity

Ms Bath said the pollination of crops and fruit trees in our horticulture sector as well as home-based fruit and vegetable growers is likely to be compromised if the varroa mite becomes widespread in Victoria. "The Andrews government must focus on assisting commercial apiarists to have world's best practice on varroa mite mitigation and containment."

"The economic value from the contribution of honeybees in crop production is valued at more than $14 billion nationally and $6 billion annually for Victoria. Given the importance of Victoria's agriculture industry, the Andrews government must expand bee biosecurity programs to better protect honeybee colonies and crop pollination," said Ms Bath.

Pictures from Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
  The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
• Danny O’Brien says Crime Statistics Agency figures reveal rising serious assaults and theft across Gippsland communities
  Crime is rising across Gippsland, with assaults, thefts, and burglaries increasing sharply, prompting Nationals’ Danny O’Brien to call for stronger police resourcing, law reforms, and preventative measures.
• Gippslander Scott Morris joins national bowel cancer advocacy push at Parliament House in Canberra
  Bairnsdale Scott Morris joined Bowel Cancer Australia's Call on Canberra, sharing his stage four diagnosis to advocate for earlier screening, better treatment pathways, and urgent national action on rising early-onset bowel cancer rates.
• Melina Bath encourages increased funding for regional palliative care, ensuring dignity and support statewide
  Melina Bath warned underfunded regional palliative care forces terminally ill Victorians into hospitals instead of home, calling for urgent investment to ensure dignity, support, and equal access across eastern Victoria.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Tim Bull criticises sudden last-minute VLine reductions from six to three carriages, causing tension due to limited rolling stock
  Victorian country train passengers are forced to stand up to four hours after last-minute carriage cuts, with MP Tim Bull urging PSOs and additional services to protect booked seating.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges MAV to demand transparency, accountability and community engagement in State planning decisions
  Bass Coast Shire Council will urge MAV to demand greater transparency, accountability, and community consultation in State Government planning decisions, highlighting concerns over the Development Facilitation Program and local impacts.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan government’s ‘land grab,’ opposing farmland seizure before environmental approvals complete
  The Allan Labor government passed laws allowing energy companies to compulsory acquire farmland before approvals, prompting Nationals’ Melina Bath to condemn the "land grab" and call for proper consultation and safeguards.