Livestock emergencies and drought assistance for NSW beekeepers
The NSW government provides assistance to primary producers affected by drought and bushfire conditions.
For agricultural or livestock emergencies, beekeepers should call the Agriculture and Animal Services Hotline - 1800 814 647
- Producers are encouraged to call the hotline to report damage and stock losses and to request assistance. The assistance below is only available to beekeepers who have a business registered in NSW (NSW Beekeeper registration is not sufficient. QLD drought and fire-affected beekeepers should consult QLD Dept. of Ag and Fisheries - Drought Assistance Programs.)
Available help to NSW beekeeping businesses through the Agriculture and Services Hotline includes:
- Emergency fodder (7-day supply of sugar only. Pollen or other supplements are not eligible.)
- Emergency stock water
- Veterinary assistance
- Stock destruction and burial
- Livestock feeding and management advice
For drought assistance, NSW-registered beekeeping businesses may access site fee waivers for apiaries on public lands, primary producer vehicle registration waivers and subsidies for transport of fodder and water through the NSW DroughtHub.
The NSW DPI Primary Producers Assistance Guide for Beekeepers (PDF, 858.28 KB) outlines the drought assistance available for beekeepers above as well as contact details for rural assistance in the form of financial counsellors, farm household support, emergency water infrastructure, mental health support, emergency assistance insurance claims.
The Australian Taxation Office Primary Producer guide helps explain some of the tax elements for beekeepers as there are tax provisions their accountants can utilise.
