WA’s jarrah honey flow under threat from prescribed burning at critical flowering time, beekeepers warn

WA beekeepers say there’s potential for a bumper flow of rare and valuable jarrah honey this year, but fear it could slow to a trickle because of prescribed burns while trees are at the critical bud or flowering stages. Many beekeepers expect jarrah trees — which only flower every two to five years in good conditions — to put on a bumper flowering this spring because of excellent rains. Brendon Fewster, chairman of the Bee Industry Council of WA, said the rains had created optimism for good, potentially even record jarrah honey flows after a tough season for production last year. But planned prescribed burns by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions across many areas — including around Nannup, Collie, Harvey and Dwellingup up to Perth — could substantially affect flows, he said. Mr Fewster said the viability of many beekeepers relied on receiving premium prices for jarrah honey in the years that trees flowered abundantly. “Prescribed burning in the jarrah forests while the trees are in bud or flower will mean many beekeepers will lose significant income and the State will lose export markets,” he said. Mr Fewster said while beekeepers recognised the need for sound forest management and prescribed burning before summer, they requested some flexibility around timing, depending on when beekeepers plan to move their hives on to approved sites, which they pay a fee to use. “We urge all the government agencies involved to work with the bee industry to time burns so as to protect the jarrah flowers,” he said. A department spokeswoman said the Government recognised the importance of the WA bee and honey production industry and the contribution it makes to the local economy. “The DBCA undertakes ongoing consultation with the beekeeping industry to ensure both parties can best meet their respective objectives,” she said. “While on occasion, there may be localised impacts from prescribed burns, DBCA makes considerable effort to minimise the impact on the community and stakeholder values, including the beekeeping industry.” He said prescribed burning was the primary means of mitigating bushfire risks to protect communities, the environment and dependent industries.