Victorian apiarists finding it harder to access public land 'vital' for bees

Beekeepers say they are finding it more difficult to access public land, including Wilsons Promontory National Park, that provides a critical food source for their European honey bees. Apiarists estimate up to 80 per cent of their honey is produced from public land in the state. In the past 12 months, Victorian beekeepers have battled drought, massive bushfires in western Victoria and the spread of the devastating varroa mite bee parasite. They claim the government department responsible for granting access has become increasingly uncooperative.