Extra $1.6 million for varroa mite response

Beekeepers and pollination-dependent industries in South Australia will continue to receive on-the-ground support to manage the spread of varroa mite through a further $1.64 million investment from the Malinauskas Labor Government.

This additional investment extends PIRSA’s Varroa Development Officers (VDOs) to 30 June 2027, ensuring South Australia retains specialist frontline capability at a critical time for the state’s apiary industry.

The extension of two full-time VDOs will allow PIRSA to continue delivering targeted education, engagement and technical support to beekeepers across the state, following the end of national funding for the National Varroa Mite Management Program on 6 February 2026.

Alongside the extension of the VDO roles, the State Government also has invested more than $250,000 to deliver an enhanced support program to provide beekeepers with practical tools and resources to manage varroa.

This will include education and engagement activities focused on bee biosecurity, improved access to chemical and organic treatment options, and proactive surveillance through a statewide sentinel program, focusing on high-risk and emerging detection areas.

The program will also establish regional distribution hubs to improve access to treatment products and support efficient delivery of assistance to beekeepers, using existing PIRSA facilities where possible.

For more information, please visit varroa mite.