There are now two avenues to register as a beekeeper: via the new online Brands Portal or with the existing paper-based applications. The Brands Portal is a secure website that allows Beekeepers, Livestock owners and operators to manage their registrations online. it is the preferred option for submitting registrations. To register as a beekeeper, regardless of whether you have one beehive or 1000, log in to the Brands Portal online.
You will be taken to the Welcome Page which will guide you through the Digital Identity setup and Brands Portal login procedures. If you are unable or prefer not to use the Brands Portal, download the Beekeeper registration application form and send in the completed paper forms via email or post.
Upon registration, beekeepers are issued a certificate and provided a unique hive brand that must be burnt, stamped, carved or scored on each of their beehive boxes (both brood boxes and honey supers). For further information on registration using the Brands Portal or paper forms, visit the Registering as an owner of stock or as a beekeeper webpage or contact the Brands Office (Bunbury) excluding public holidays Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm AWST. Contact by phone 1300 926 547 or email Brands.Bunbury@dpird.wa.gov.au.
The current costs to register is $76.50 for three years. Additionally, an Agricultural Produce Commission (APC) fee is charged (annually) to assist in bee pest and disease surveillance (i.e. training of beekeepers), particularly for exotic pests such as the Varroa mite.
DPIRD Apiary Officers undertake surveillance and sampling for exotic bee pests and diseases. If you have a bee pest or disease concern, please report this to an Apiary Officer at email PBHoney@dpird.wa.gov.au. If you suspect an exotic pest, such as Varroa mite, immediately call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
DPIRD’s Diagnostics and Laboratory Services is available to test for common bee diseases although there is a fee for this work. The most common bee diseases known in Western Australia are American foulbrood (bacteria) and Chalkbrood (fungus). Visit the BeeAware website to learn more about established and exotic honey bee pests and diseases.
Honey bees
The only European honey bee available in Western Australia is Apis mellifera (European honey bee).
Apiaries
An apiary site contains one or more hives. The average commercial apiary site is 100 hives (sometimes fewer when floral resources are limited). These sites can be on a beekeeper’s property, privately negotiated with landholders or on registered apiary sites (under permit) from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at Beekeeping on Crown land in Western Australia or contact Licensing Officer by email apiary@dbca.wa.gov.au or on 9219 8765.
Total Fire Ban days
On Total Fire Ban days, it is prohibited to use a bee smoker. Refer to emergency.wa.gov.au for Fire Ban alerts.
Buying bees and beekeeping equipment
There are numerous honey bee and equipment suppliers around Perth and WA to suit all styles of beekeeping. Newspapers and websites, such as Gumtree, also advertise equipment and bees for sale. Before making a purchase, check the supplier is compliant with the Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice and that their bees are pest free. Beekeepers may also catch and collect honey bee swarms, but be aware these may carry disease.
Note: Bees and second-hand beekeeping equipment are restricted from entering Western Australia or moving from the Kimberley region.
Please advise a DPIRD Apiary Officer (PBHoney@dpird.wa.gov.au) or the Bee Industry Council of Western Australia (info@bicwa.com.au) if you have any queries or concerns regarding bees or used beekeeping equipment purchases.
Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice
The Australian Honey Bee Industry Biosecurity Code of Practice (the Code) has been developed in consultation with the beekeeping industry and governments to provide a framework for Australian beekeepers to use best-practice biosecurity measures.
Fundamental biosecurity practices outlined in the Code include:
- Training and planning
- Controlling pests and diseases
- Preventing the spread of undetected diseases
- Surveillance for exotic pests and diseases
- Keeping accurate records
- Hive and equipment maintenance
The Code is available in English, Greek, Arabic, Italian and Turkish. Aligned with the Code, all beekeepers in Australia can complete free Biosecurity for Beekeepers online training course.
Honey production
Beehives have to be migrated to maximise honey yields to take advantage of different floral sources. Average honey yields obtained by commercial beekeepers can be more than 200kg/hive where apiaries are relocated an average of six times a year. This involves experience in plant flowering cycles, plant distribution and weather.
As a new beekeeper it is important to work with experienced beekeepers who are aware of Western Australia’s unique conditions. For more information, please refer to the Bee Industry Council of Western Australia website www.bicwa.com.au or email info@bicwa.com.au
Selling honey and pollen
In WA, the Food Standards Act 2008 applies and is regulated by Local Government. As per this Act, any premises producing food for commercial purposes must be registered and comply with food labelling protocols. Food safety for all states and territories can be found at foodsafety.com.au. The main quality assurance scheme developed specifically for beekeepers and honey producers is B-QUAL.
Note: Honey and other bee products are restricted products and are prohibited from coming into Western Australia unless strict quarantine conditions of entry are met under state legislation Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007. Please visit the Quarantine WA Import Requirements Search webpage or contact QWA.import@dpird.wa.gov.au for information.
Beeinformed magazine
This informative publication is issued three times a year and focuses on local beekeeping advice and topics of interest. Registered beekeepers receive this free. For further information, email the Beeinformed editor at beeinformed2@gmail.com.
Bee Industry Council of WA (BICWA)
The Bee Industry Council of Western Australia (BICWA) operates as the peak bee industry representative organisation in WA. BICWA was established in December 2015 by existing WA bee organisations to represent the bee and honey industry in Western Australia for all commercial, semi-commercial and hobbyist beekeepers.
The four member organisations that make up BICWA are:
- Agricultural Produce Commission (Beekeepers) - The APC Beekeepers committee was established in August 2003 with the agreed objective to provide leadership to beekeepers, ensure governance accountability and identify and implement initiatives for the industry on behalf of all Western Australian beekeepers.
- Western Australian Farmer’s Federation (WAFF) Beekeepers section - WAFF Beekeepers Section represents the commercial beekeepers in the state.
- Western Australian Apiarists' Society (WAAS) - Formed in 1953, WAAS is made up mainly of recreational apiarists who wish to meet, learn, share and promote the craft of beekeeping.
- Western Australian Beekeeper Association (WABA) - Formed about 15 years ago, WABA represents the interests of all beekeepers in Western Australia, from the professional level down to amateur and hobbyists.
Western Australian Apiarists' Society (WAAS)
The Western Australian Apiarist' Society (WAAS) focuses on amateur and urban beekeeping, but caters for a broad range of beekeeper interests and skill levels. WAAS offer valuable training and support, meeting at the South Perth Community Hall (cnr of South Terrace and Sandgate Street, South Perth) on the first Thursday of each month at 6.30pm.
For further information contact the Secretary of the Western Australian Apiarist Society at info@waas.org.au or visit the website.
Useful research publications
Search on honey or bees at:
- Plant Health Australia – Honey bees
- Bee Aware – Biosecurity
- Australian Honey Bee Industry Council (AHBIC)
- AgriFutures Australia (formerly Rural Industries and Research Development Corporation)
DPIRD contacts
Apiary and Biosecurity Officers are contactable at: PBHoney@dpird.wa.gov.au
- James Sheehan, Apiary Officer
- Jessica Bikaun, Bee Biosecurity Officer