Compensation to support NSW beekeepers through a deadly pest epidemic will not be issued until the affected bees have been killed.
The varroa mite that attacks and feeds on honey bees was detected near Newcastle in June, leading to the creation of emergency surveillance and eradication zones.
While the government worked to track down and remove the parasite, about 97 infected premises were detected around the Hunter, Narrabri and Coffs Harbor areas in mid-August.
Bees are vital for pollination, with yields of billions of dollars threatened if it doesn’t occur.
Honey bee colonies within the eradication zones must be killed and this must be reported to the Department of Primary Industries. The hives must also be inspected and managed by officials.
An $ 18 million federal state government support package was announced in July, and NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders said the keepers are now being compensated for their bees, hives, structures and other materials that needed to be destroyed.
“You don’t get paid before your bees are put down, but when that happens the compensation is available very quickly,” he said at a budget estimates hearing on Monday.
“I understand it’s difficult if you’re looking at income and haven’t had any income.”
The compensation amount was negotiated by the federal government after consulting the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council, Saunders said.
Additional support is in place for commercial beekeepers, including compensation for fuel, income and honey production.
Recreational keepers who have their hives put down are also entitled to compensation of up to $ 550 per hive or $ 200 if they keep the hive, killing only the bees.
Mr. Saunders says his office is confident that most of the recreational caretakers in the emergency areas have been identified, after a few hundred people a day helped locate hives during the outbreak.
Recreational caretakers came aboard to register their hives for the future sustainability of the industry, he said.
NSW eased restrictions on some beekeepers last month, with those outside the emergency notification zones being allowed to move bees and hives more freely.
To combat her own varroa foray, Victoria last month introduced a statewide permit system for anyone bringing bees or bee products across her border, which will not be granted to NSW people.