To be a beekeeper in Western Australia it is a legal requirement that you register with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
Upon registration, you will be issued with a certificate and provided a Unique Brand Identifier. Your Brand Identifier must be printed on all your beekeeping equipment (e.g. hives).
Applications can be obtained from the Brands Registrar Officer (Bunbury) on 9780 6195 or you can email Brands.Bunbury@dpird.wa.gov.au
Current costs of registration can be obtained at DPIRD Fees, Charges and Procurement.
Additionally, an Agricultural Produce Commission (APC) fee is charged (annually) to assist in bee pest and disease surveillance (i.e. training), particularly for exotic pests such as the Varroa mite.
DPIRD Apiary Officers undertake surveillance and sampling for exotic bee pests and disease. If you have a suspect bee pest or disease concern, please report this to an Apiary Officer at email PBHoney@dpird.wa.gov.auDPIRD’s Diagnostic Laboratory Service 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).
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 Caz Stonier by email apiary@dbca.wa.gov.au or on 9219 8765.
Buying bees and beekeeping equipment
Newspapers and websites such as Gumtree sometimes advertise equipment and bees for sale. You can also catch your own bee swarms, but be aware as these may carry disease. Make sure you are satisfied that any bees you are purchasing are disease-free and check with the supplier prior to purchasing.
Note: Bees and second-hand beekeeping equipment are restricted from entering Western Australia.
Please advise a DPIRD Apiary Officer (PBHoney@dpird.wa.gov.au) or the Bee Industry Council of Western Australia (bicwa@iinet.net.au) if you have any queries or concerns regarding bees or used beekeeping equipment purchases.