The Finocchiaro CLP Government is strengthening the Territory's biosecurity and pastoral land regulations to safeguard key industries, including the emerging honeybee sector, against evolving pest and disease threats.
Industry feedback on draft amendments proposing tighter controls on bee and beehive movement, to prevent Varroa mite spread and protect agricultural pollination industries, is currently being considered.
Proposed amendments are set to be introduced to Parliament later this year.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Gerard Maley said while the NT's honeybee industry was small, it played a vital role in supporting local food production and ecological health.
Protecting pollinators was crucial for the continued growth of the Territory's agricultural sector.
"Strong biosecurity is critical to protecting our agricultural industries, and bees play an essential role in pollinating fruits, vegetables, and native flora across the Territory," he said.
"This is another example of our government's commitment to 2025 being a year of action, certainty and security."
NT beekeepers import about 2000 queen bees from interstate annually, as there are not yet any commercial queen bee breeders in the Territory.
Last month, 260 queen bees plus 1,000 escort bees were imported from Queensland for a Katherine beekeeper, with an additional two consignments of about 90 queen bees plus their escort bees for the Katherine and the Greater Darwin region.
All bees were inspected by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries entomologists at the Berrimah Farm Science Precinct and found to be free of Varroa mite.
With the national Bee Pest Blitz campaign now underway, Territory beekeepers are urged to inspect their hives for high-priority exotic pests, such as Varroa mite, and report any issues.
"Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play in protecting the NT's bee pollination industry and supporting beekeepers," said Mr Maley.
"Our government has made a clear commitment to growing the economy and supporting Territory jobs, and keeping pests out is key to delivering on that promise."
The entire NT is declared a Protected Area for honeybees under the Livestock Act 2008.
The Bee Pest Blitz campaign runs throughout April and is a national awareness campaign encouraging beekeepers to conduct hive inspections and report findings.
Beekeepers can access resources and learn more about hive health at here or here.
