Have your say on the plan to support Tasmania's varroa mite readiness

Tasmanians are being encouraged to have their say on a proposed response plan to help protect the state's valuable beekeeping industry and broader agricultural sector from one of the world's most significant honeybee pests, Varroa Mite.

The Plan covers initial investigation and confirmation activities following a suspected varroa mite detection, including emergency containment and delimitation measures, and the feasibility of eradication.

Minister for Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said the draft Plan aims to provide greater clarity and certainty around response arrangements, while supporting preparedness efforts across government, beekeepers and industry.

“Varroa mite remains absent from Tasmania, making the state one of the few remaining varroa-free regions in Australia,” Minister Pearce said.

“However, with the pest now established on mainland Australia, we must remain prepared.

“This Plan outlines how Biosecurity Tasmania would respond in the critical early stages should there be a suspected detection of Varroa Mite.

“This Plan complements broader work underway across government and industry to strengthen Tasmania's pollination resilience and address pollination-related risks across the fruit, horticulture and farming sectors.

“Through our Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we’re taking action to keep our island state pest, weed and disease free.”

Public consultation on the draft Tasmanian Varroa destructor Initial Plan (Investigation and Alert Phase) is open until 5pm, 1 November 2026.

For more information and to make a submission, click here.