This Inquiry was prompted by the death in early March 2000 of a Stanmore resident as a result of multiple beestings by bees from managed hives. Concern arose about the appropriateness of beekeeping in densely populated areas and the attendant dangers that this may pose both to persons owning bees and to the broader community.

The Inquiry was asked to identify the extent to which bees are kept in urban areas in NSW and the risks posed to the human population, to evaluate the economic and other benefits arising from urban beekeeping, and to examine the adequacy of existing regulatory and non-regulatory measures. The Inquiry makes recommendations on additional measures and an appropriate process for public consultation regarding such proposed regulatory changes.