The program is aimed at increasing biodiversity throughout Cumberland, by encouraging residents to host a hive in their backyard and planting native flowering plants for bees to forage on.
Australia has more than 1,500 species of native bees, 11 of which are stingless. Mayor Greg Cummings explained these bee hives will house Tetragonula Carbonaira; the only species of stingless bee native to Cumberland.
“Hosting a hive is a really kind contribution to your neighbourhood,” Mayor Greg Cummings said.
“These bees will fly up to half a kilometre to look for plant blooms to pollinate, but typically try to stay as close to home as possible. Through pollination, your bees will really improve your local environment, creating more flowers, bigger fruits and vegetables and healthier plants all around.
“Worldwide, the global bee population is in serious decline. Bees and other pollinating insects play an essential role in ecosystems.
“According to Greenpeace, a third of all our food depends on their pollination. By keeping a hive at home you are not only assisting the surrounding ecosystem by adding invaluable vectors of pollination; you are also helping to maintain healthy numbers of bees.”
Those who are interested are invited to register an Expression of Interest by Thursday 4 October, ahead of a mandatory two hour workshop on Saturday 6 October, where participants will learn how to look after their hive.
Due to limited numbers of hives not all successful participants will receive a hive during the first round. These residents will be placed on the waitlist and contacted once a hive is ready for them.
For more information call 8757 9000.
