After the NSW floods killed thousands of bees, one beekeeper warned of biosecurity threats as well as food and agricultural consequences. In the worst of weather, Southern Highlands beekeeper Hamish Ta-mé couldn’t access to his hives. He has been busy monitoring the matter since six hives were “literally washed away and smashed over.” Mr Ta-mé of Bowral Beekeeping has spent days inspecting his wet or flooded hives. In the worst-case scenarios, he’s had to “euthanize” the bees. Darryn McKay, a friend and fellow beekeeper, was able to gain access to the apiary and save the hives, but not all of them survived.
After the NSW floods killed thousands of bees, one beekeeper warned of biosecurity threats as well as food and agricultural consequences. In the worst of weather, Southern Highlands beekeeper Hamish Ta-mé couldn’t access to his hives. He has been busy monitoring the matter since six hives were “literally washed away and smashed over.” Mr Ta-mé of Bowral Beekeeping has spent days inspecting his wet or flooded hives. In the worst-case scenarios, he’s had to “euthanize” the bees. Darryn McKay, a friend and fellow beekeeper, was able to gain access to the apiary and save the hives, but not all of them survived.
“I’m frantically feeding bees and talking to beekeepers and giving them emergency food for a few weeks,” he said. “It’s not just the flooding; it’s also the cold and rain that has persisted. The nectar from the blooms has washed away, leaving the bees with no sustenance.” He claimed that one of his clients had “starved to death bees surrounded by flowers.” In the last three weeks, Mr Ta-mé estimates that 15 to 20% of the district’s bees have died. There would be fewer pollinators if there were fewer bees, which would have an impact on the food and agriculture industries.
Water damage, he noted, might pose a biosecurity issue by encouraging bugs and illnesses. “Time is critical; individuals must reply within days,” he explained. The beekeeper advised people having hives at home to keep an eye on them, place a feeder tray on top, and keep sugar syrup on hand. If a hive feels “physically light,” he says, there’s probably no honey within and sugar syrup will be required. Hamish can be reached at 0428 294 569 or hamish@bowralbeekeeping.com if you have bees at home.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
