This would build on the extra biosecurity measures in place, including the requirement for permits to allow entry, Victoria’s chief plant health officer Rosa Crnov said.
“Initially we will have over 40 staff based at our Irymple site, conducting surveillance for varroa mite at the almond pollination and ensuring compliance with permit requirements for the Sunraysia region,” Dr Crnov said.
“Victoria remains free of varroa mite and we are doing everything we can to keep it that way while enabling the almond pollination to proceed.
“No permits will be granted for movements by NSW beekeepers at this time. The situation in NSW is being monitored and will be reassessed if needed.
“We have also added extra conditions to permits granted to Queensland beekeepers, so they can travel through NSW.
"They will need to avoid high-risk zones, take the shortest route that is appropriate, keep stops to a minimum at agreed locations, and there will also be requirements for beekeepers to cover their loads.”
Agriculture Victoria will be repatriating some Victorian-registered hives that have been stuck just over the NSW border and are considered low risk.
To be considered eligible to return to Victoria, these hives will still need to meet all permit requirements and undergo pre- and post-arrival testing for varroa.
Return of these hives will need to be completed by 11.59pm on Friday, July 29.
Trained members of Victoria’s beekeeping industry will play a key role in Agriculture Victoria’s surveillance activities at almond pollination.
Dr Crnov said initially there would be eight Victorian beekeepers who were trained and ready to help as part of Agriculture Victoria’s Beekeeper State Quarantine Response Team.
“The beekeepers work alongside authorised biosecurity officers in field teams to conduct in-hive surveillance, providing a crucial link between government and industry,” she said.
If beekeepers detect anything suspicious they must report it immediately to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. For more information, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa
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