Gold Coast beekeepers backed in varroa mite grant round
Gold Coast beekeepers have secured grant support for varroa mite management.
What’s happening?
A new round of grants has been awarded under the Community Bee Innovation Fund, delivered by the Department of Primary Industries.
The funding supports innovative projects designed to prepare and protect Queensland’s beekeeping and pollination-reliant industries from varroa mite.
Among the successful round two recipients is the Gold Coast Amateur Beekeepers Society Inc, alongside Bee Genetics Pty Ltd, Farmgate Honey Australia, Townsville and District Beekeepers Association Inc, Ipswich and West Moreton Beekeepers Association, Berries Australia Limited, Northern Gulf Resource Management Group Ltd, and DPI.
Why it matters
Varroa mite management is a growing priority for Queensland’s beekeeping sector.
The grants are aimed at supporting new approaches to monitoring, management and education, helping beekeepers prepare for ongoing biosecurity challenges.
Mike Reid, DPI General Manager for Plant Biosecurity and Product Integrity, said the projects place innovation at the centre of the response.
“We are excited to see a range of initiatives launch this month that harness innovative management and monitoring tools and enhance collective knowledge for Queensland beekeepers,” Mr Reid said.
Local impact
The inclusion of the Gold Coast Amateur Beekeepers Society Inc means local beekeepers will be directly involved in grant-supported activity.
The funding supports community-focused initiatives that build skills and shared knowledge, helping beekeepers across the Gold Coast engage with varroa mite preparedness and management.
Education and engagement form a key part of the funded work, supporting beekeepers from hobby level through to more established operators.
By the numbers
The Community Bee Innovation Fund has awarded grants to multiple recipients in its second round, including a Gold Coast-based beekeeping society.
Funded projects cover tools and activities such as testing, monitoring and education focused on varroa mite management.
Applications for the final funding round close on 2 March 2026 at 5 pm AEST.
Zoom in
Grant-supported initiatives span a wide range of activities aimed at strengthening varroa mite readiness.
“From U-BEE-O testing and queen genotyping to community engagement and education, such as field days, documentary short films, workshops, focus groups and mentor programs – these grants support creative solutions to varroa mite management in Queensland,” Mr Reid said.
Zoom out
The program also supports collaboration between beekeepers and pollination-reliant industries.
Rachel Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer of Berries Australia Limited, said the funding benefits both growers and beekeepers.
“It enables us to increase berry grower knowledge about hive health, management and pollination services, while at the same time improve beekeepers’ understanding of the berry industry and its on-farm practices,” Ms Mackenzie said.
“This grant will help us ensure Queensland berry producers can keep growing amazing berries into the future,” she said.
What to look for next?
Beekeeping clubs, groups, local governments, industry bodies and agricultural businesses are encouraged to apply for the final round of funding.
Applications for the final round of the grant program are now open and close on 2 March 2026 at 5 pm AEST.