Bees and wasps

Removing bees or wasps on Council property

• Bees are a vital part of our ecosystem and food security – for this reason, we will only relocate bees if there is a risk to public safety.
• Bees will only be exterminated if there is a risk to public safety and it is not possible to relocate them.

If you notice wasp or bee swarms/hives on Council property, including nature strips, please report the issue to us online or over the phone.

Report online

Call 1300 787 624

Removing bees or wasps on private property

Council does not remove bees or wasps from private property – it is the property owner’s responsibility to do this.

Removing bees or wasps from your own property

If a beehive, wasp nest or a swarm has been on your property for a few days, contact a beekeeper (apiarist) or pest controller to have them removed.  

Requesting that bees or wasps be removed from someone else’s property

If you believe that bees or wasps on someone else’s property are a risk to public safety, please let the property owner/occupier know.

If they fail to have the bees removed, please report the issue to us online or over the phone. 

Report online

Call 1300 787 624

Beekeeping

Your responsibilities as a beekeeper

• Council supports beekeeping as long as the bees are looked after and their hives are maintained properly.
• As a beekeeper, you have a legal and ethical obligation to make sure your bees are kept healthy and don’t become a nuisance to other people.
• If you’re interested in becoming a beekeeper (apiarist), you must register with Agriculture Victoria
• Bees must be kept in accordance with the requirements of the Apiary Code of Practice 2011 and the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994
• In line with the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and the Cardinia Planning Scheme, you don’t need planning approval to use your land to keep bees, provided your practices meet the Apiary Code of Practice 2011.

Lodge a complaint about beekeeping practices

We investigate complaints of non-compliance with the Apiary Code of Practice and the Cardinia Planning Scheme. For further advice contact our Planning team on 1300 787 624 or the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions on 9651 9999

How we promote biodiversity

We actively promote wildlife biodiversity through our free Gardens for Wildlife program, a partnership between Council, Landcare networks, ‘Friends’ groups and local volunteers.