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Following the devastation to bee populations in the recent NSW bushfires, Wollongong Council are exploring opportunities to provide areas within its managed greenspaces for bushfire-affected licensed apiarists and their bees.

The step follows a call from industry groups and amateur beekeeping associations for support to feed and care for bees and the honey industry in the wake of the fires, which destroyed hives and significant amounts of bushland.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery noted “I have been told it could take between five and 20 years for some flowering gums to fully recover and produce enough nectar and pollen to feed bees.

“With our many greenspaces and gardens across the city, we are in a position to be able to work with beekeeping experts and see how we can support this essential insect now and into the future.’’

The review of possible locations would take into consideration bee behaviour and how the community currently use the greenspace.

Lord Mayor Bradbery added “Our staff will work with the experts to find the best locations to place beehives.

“We need to ensure we’re not only offering apiarists a suitable location to set up a hive and support the feeding of bees and production of honey, but also any impact on how our community members already use and enjoy the site.’’

Wollongong Council will be contacting other government agencies to encourage them to follow their example by using the greenspaces they manage to home beehives.

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