The decision not to attempt to eradicate the Asian honey bee must be urgently reconsidered in the light of revelations in the latest annual report of the Wet Tropics Management Authority [WTMA], the Australian Greens said today (Thurs).
The report notes that:
‘The potential impacts of feral Asian honeybees on the Wet Tropics unique ecosystems or to Australia’s natural environment do not appear to have been a consideration in this decision [to discontinue the eradication effort].’
and that:
‘The potential impacts of this species on the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area are unknown. WTMA is concerned that eradication effort came to an end before the full implications and potential impacts of this new pest on the natural environment were fully understood and that a more precautionary approach to such decisions needs to be considered.’
“Whilst there is any possibility that we can eradicate this bee, the Gillard government must intervene to support the Queensland government with the resources necessary to do so,” Australian Greens Deputy Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.
“The current management plan, due to be released at any moment, runs up the white flag, potentially jeopardising one of Australia’s globally significant ecosystems.
“Minister Burke must explain exactly what input and consultation his department engaged in in the development of this management plan, and what evidence he has to support the proposition that the bee cannot be eradicated.
“This process appears to have been mismanaged from start to finish.
“CSIRO revealed in Senate Estimates hearings earlier this year that it was not properly consulted, experts say they have been prevented from speaking out, and now the management of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area say that the impacts of the pest on the natural environment do not appear to have even been considered.
“Minister Burke’s department attended very few meetings when this matter was under discussion, and, at the meeting when a departmental officer was in attendance, the officer was an observer and said nothing.
“Minister Burke needs to explain why his department failed to engage as his colleague Minister Ludwig allowed the Asian honey bee effort to be downgraded from eradication to management and acceptance that the invasive bee is here to stay.
“The Asian honey bee could become the cane toad of the insect world. It is unacceptable that a decision has been made not to go ahead with eradication in the absence of a full scientific analysis of the potential impact on agriculture, the environment and the honey industry.
“While there is still hope, we should be pulling out all stops to protect our biodiversity, our native bees and our much-loved honey industry.”
