Cumberland Council is looking towards a sustainable future, launching a Native Bee Hive Project, which this week saw five hives of stingless native bees installed around the area.
Australia has more than 1,500 species of native bees, 11 of which are stingless. The bee hives installed by Council contain Tetragonula Carbonaira, the only species of stingless bee native to Cumberland.
According to Macquarie University, more than half of Australia’s threatened animal species live within the urban fringe of Sydney.
“Cumberland is home to many different native species of flora and fauna, which helps keep our beautiful Australian ecosystem in balance,” Mayor Greg Cummings said, releasing the native bees in Central Gardens in Merrylands on Thursday.
“However, modern life and increasing development within the suburbs has threatened a lot of these flora and fauna, which can have some terrible impacts on our environment.
“It’s important we support the conservation of the environment so everyone in Cumberland can continue enjoying recreational spaces, breathing clean air, eating healthy food and enjoying all the wonders of nature.
“Council’s upcoming Biodiversity Program will do this, but we are getting a head start with the Native Bee Hive Project.
“There’s no cause for alarm, these bees are social bees native to Cumberland and they are stingless so there’s no danger.
“These bees will pollinate our food crops and plants ensuring continued growth, especially in spring time.
“Five hives have been installed in Cumberland and once these grow we will be giving residents the option to have one in their own yard, promoting growth and support of gardens in your neighbourhood.”
For more information on the project and biodiversity in Cumberland, please call 8757 9000.
