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Industry Forms and Regulations

DPIRD WA Beekeeper Registration Form

It is a legal requirement for all beekeepers in Western Australia to be registered with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Upon registration, you will be issued with a certificate and provided a Unique Brand Identifier. Your Brand Identifier must be printed on all your beekeeping equipment (e.g. hives). Your Hive Brand fee is due every 3rd year. Click the button to print the application to register as a beekeeper.

APC Beekeepers Fee for Service

With your hive brand registration, you will also receive a request for payment of the Agricultural Produce Commission (APC) beekeeper charge in late April or early May of each year. This fee paid to APC enables your Beekeeper committee to provide services such as pest and disease surveillance, advocacy with policymakers, beekeeper training, research initiatives, and producing the Bee Informed industry newsletter. This fee is paid annually. 

DBCA Regulations & Forms

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) is the Western Australian government department responsible for managing lands and waters described in the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984. 

General Conditions for using Apiary Authorities on Crown land in Western Australia

DFES Fire exemption using a bee smoker during a total fire ban

The recent extended summer and numerous Total Fire Bans, have highlighted the urgency of caring for bees, even during extreme conditions. To ensure both the safety of our communities and the health of your bees, BICWA has successfully secured an exemption that allows the use of bee smokers during a total fire ban.

Beekeepers who meet certain criteria can apply for this exemption. Review the requirements below to determine if you qualify and learn how to submit your application.
 

ELIGIBILITY
The exemption is available only to commercial operators (ABN-registered businesses), who must submit an individual application for consideration.

EXEMPTION DURATION
Upon approval, the exemption will be valid for two years.

HARVEST AND VEHICLE MOVEMENT BAN 
Please be aware that the exemption conditions apply solely to bee smoking activities. Operators driving off-road (across paddocks, bush areas, uncleared tracks) during Total Fire Bans (TFBs) must also adhere to off-road activity conditions. Refer to the off-road fact sheet here. Operators engaging in off-road activities during a TFB must comply with regulations, including the obligation to cease operations when a Harvest and Vehicle Movement Ban (HVMB) is issued.

If you meet the requirements and need a bee smoking exemption during a total fire ban, please submit your application as soon as possible, as processing can take 6-8 weeks during high-threat periods.

 

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The application form is available on the DFES website or through the below tabs and must be emailed to exemptions@dfes.wa.gov.au. For any questions, call 9395 9911.

Please review the information on the DFES website before applying.

Recommended Reads

For a list of recommended Industry Books head to our Training Page.

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