Native bees have Gold Coast Mayor buzzing

The City has today launched a community initiative to help Australia’s native bees – and Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is buzzing with excitement.

“Native bees are vital to our flora and fauna and giving them the opportunity to thrive has major positive effects for our city’s overall biodiversity,’’ he said.

“I trust Council colleagues will support this initiative which can be funded through the current ‘Our Natural City’ strategy.’’

The proposal is:

• existing funding in the ‘Our Natural City’ strategy will be used to support a Local Residents Bee Scheme trial (around $30,000);

• the City will use the funds to subsidise the purchase of native bee hives (by property owners on 1200m2+ properties);

• funds would allow around hives to be purchased city-wide; and

• residents could work with local bee experts to manage the hives.

“We have around $30,000 in the strategy for initiatives such as this. Each applicant will be eligible for $250 to go towards their hive purchase,’’ he said.

“This initiative would see native bees thriving in newly-established hives. It will also provide a great platform for the local bee community to work with residents. The educational aspect is of huge benefit as many families may decide to place a hive on their property and their children can learn about the vital role bees play in the planet’s biodiversity.’’

A typical bee hive only requires maintenance every 12-18 months.

“The City also runs Stingless Bee Keeping workshops through our NaturallyGC program so there is a great opportunity for residents to learn more about these precious creatures,’’ he said.

http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/community/bees-20558.html

http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/naturally-gc-program-27583.html

http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/our-natural-city-strategy-40717.html