This investment through the Victorian Varroa Transition program adds to the four existing apiary inspectors, with the roles providing practical support to commercial and recreational beekeepers adapting to living with Varroa mite.
The Victorian Varroa Transition program is a two‑year initiative supporting Victoria’s move to Varroa management, tackling long‑term challenges and safeguarding pollination services.
Partnering with industry, the program will support beekeepers, pollination dependent industries and the wider agriculture sector to better understand, adapt to and prepare for the long‑term impacts of Varroa, and the change in how crops are pollinated.
Biosecurity executive director Charlotte Austin said the appointments reinforced Victoria’s strong commitment to safeguarding bee health and supporting the industry through ongoing change.
“Varroa mite has reshaped hive management across the country, and Victoria is investing in the expertise needed to help beekeepers navigate this new normal,” Ms Austin said.
“Our new bee biosecurity officers will deliver the latest advice and practical tools directly to beekeepers, strengthening both individual businesses and our broader agricultural system.”
Working closely with beekeeper clubs, associations, industry groups and beekeeping equipment suppliers, the officers will provide one-on-one advice, workshops, field days and tailored support to promote hive health.
They will also play a key role in Victoria’s preparedness for exotic bee pest incursions by contributing to emergency response preparedness and ensuring early detection systems remain strong, such as our national award-winning state quarantine response team.
Ms Austin said the new officers would help ensure Victoria was well positioned to manage biosecurity risks while enabling the industry to stay productive and resilient.
“Victoria’s beekeepers are crucial, and these roles reflect our commitment to working with industry and delivering the practical support needed to keep the industry strong,” Ms Austin said.
Recent detections of pyrethroid-resistant Varroa mites in northern NSW underline the importance for Victorian beekeepers to closely monitor mite loads, rotate chemicals and follow all permit and label directions.
For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au
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