AHBIC Industry Update 45 – 450 days of response
15 September 2023Varroa Response Update NEW SOUTH WALES Current infected premises are 277 across the state of NSW. Since AHBIC’s last Industry Update, here have been several additional detections confirmed by NSW […]
Varroa Response Update
NEW SOUTH WALES
Current infected premises are 277 across the state of NSW.
Since AHBIC’s last Industry Update, here have been several additional detections confirmed by NSW DPI, which have extended the Kempsey cluster, extended the detections on almonds in Nericon, Balranald, Euroley, extensions west and south of Central Coast and Newcastle cluster with RED and PURPLE extensions reaching into the Sydney Basin in Vineyard and McGraths Hill.
There are also additional RED and PURPLE zones in new locations linked to traces from Kempsey which are in Barcoongere, north of Coffs Harbour, Western and Southern New England region in Harparary, Cuttabri and Somerton.
Community Meetings and Drop in centres in NSW
Gumble Community Drop-in Centre
Day: Tuesday 19 September 2023
Time: 9:30am – 3pm
Location: Manildra Soldiers Memorial Hall, 61 Kiewa Street, Manildra
Gunnedah Community Meeting
Day: Tuesday 19 September 2023
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Location: Gunnedah Town Hall, 83 Chandos Street, Gunnedah
Narrabri Drop-in Centre
Day: Tuesday 19 September 2023
Time: 9am – 2:30pm
Location: The Exchange Narrabri, 43 Maitland Street, Narrabri
Manilla Drop-in Centre
Day: Wednesday 20 September 2023
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: Manilla Town Hall Complex, Small Hall, 191 Manilla Street, Manilla
VICTORIA
Varroa mite has NOT been found in Victoria.
Two PURPLE zone extensions into Victoria remain in place. AgVIC are operating under the Victorian Control Area Order.
A temporary pause on permits for movements from NSW into VIC have been implemented while the risks associated with the recent detections in the NSW General Emergency Zone (GEZ) are assessed.
All Victorian beekeepers are reminded to report their mandatory alcohol washes through the BeeMAX portal https://bees.agriculture.vic.gov.au/
CCEPP meeting
AHBIC continually updates its member bodies and seeks their advice regarding major decisions to guide the AHBIC executive. The member bodies have been divided as to the continuation of eradication until recently.
The recent detections have caused the majority of member bodies to recommend transitioning the response to management. The AHBIC executive has listened to the member bodies and resolved to advocate in this direction.
AHBIC’s position at the CCEPP and NMG meetings has changed from representing a divided opinion to strongly advocating for a transition to management.
Industry Impact
AHBIC recognises the complex pressure that the honey bee industry is currently experiencing. We commend beekeepers who have cooperated with the response, especially several who have dedicated staff and their own time to assist with urgent apiary work to be completed across NSW including on almond orchards.
It is especially important as an industry to check in on our fellow beekeepers wherever they may operate as we navigate through these challenging events together. AHBIC encourages reaching out to registered organisations who are trained and well placed to provide confidential support across a range of services, not limited to beekeepers in zones.
Varroa Response Resilience Officers
Jamie Perry-Meijer – Ph: 0477 544 379 or jamie.perry-meijer@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Jodie Magner – Ph: 0477 070 453 or jodie.magner@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Disaster Recovery Health Assistance
A local service for the Kempsey area, can assist beekeepers with accessing a range of support services.
Phone: 0498 470 435
Email: mailto: MNCLHD-DisasterRecovery@health.nsw.gov.au
Rural Financial Councillor
Help to apply for Farm Household Allowance where eligible, and assistance to manage and adjust to the challenges of industry change.
Phone: 0477 343 663
Email: macksville@rfcsnr.org.au
Drought Angels Financial Assistance
For eligible primary producers, may be able to provide some financial assistance.
Phone: 07 4622 7371
Rural Aid Financial and Counselling Support
For eligible applicants, may be able to provide some financial assistance.
Ph: 1300 327 24
Beyondblue
Beyondblue offers online counselling, support and referrals. The website provides information relating to depression and anxiety disorders, as well as options for treatment, recovery and staying well.
Phone: 1300 22 46 36
Lifeline
Confidential crisis support is available via phone, text or online chat.
Phone: 13 11 14
Lifeline Text: 0447 13 11 14
Lifeline online chat: www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/
NSW Mental Health Line
A mental health professional will answer your call about mental health concerns for you or someone you are concerned about, including children, teens, adults and older people.
Phone: 1800 011 511
You can reach out to AHBIC via:
Varroa Coordinator Bianca Giggins bianca@honeybee.org.au 0402 467 780