Beekeeping license requirements reformed

Beekeepers have welcomed a reduction in red tape, with the state government’s apiary licensing reform condensing multiple licences into one.

Parks Minister Nick Duigan said the apiary licensing reform enables a more efficient system that also reduces costs for Tasmanian apiarists. 

“Under the previous process, beekeepers were required to hold a licence for each hive site operating on crown and reserved land,” Mr Duigan said.

“This resulted in many beekeepers needing multiple licences as well as requiring them to pay associated fees for each licence.

“As part of the new apiary reform, the beekeepers will only need one licence and only pay one licence fee, removing the need for multiples.”

The change is expected to provide further security and surety for the beekeeping sector.

Mr Duigan said the red tape-busting change will save almost $780 per site in renewal fees alone, with some beekeepers having around 50 sites. 

“That could be a saving of nearly $40,000,” he said.

The new process comes after consultation with the Tasmania Beekeepers Association and other groups.

President of the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association, Lindsay Bourke, welcomed the changes. 

“This will save beekeepers a mountain of paperwork and money,” Mr Bourke said. 

“Some beekeepers previously had 50 leases and now it can all sit under one. 

“The industry has been working with the Government on these changes, which have a very positive outcome for our beekeepers.” 

The licences being renewed now are for 10 years until 2035. Any new applications or renewals will have the same end date.