To access sites on certain Crown lands, applications may be made online using the Apiary Authority System. A user guide to using the system to apply is available in the downloads section below.

You will ensure your application is processed in a timely manner please by submitting all of the above information with your application. You are also encouraged to speak with the relevant DBCA district office prior to submitting an application. DBCA district staff can provide more information on the potential suitability of the prospective site, access considerations and if clearing of vegetation may be required.

What is the difference between an apiary permit and an apiary licence? Both are a form of authority to access sites on certain Crown lands and both have conditions attached.

Licences and permits are granted in accordance with Part 8, Division 1 and 2 of the CALM Act and Regulations. Licences may be granted for up to 5 years and are issued for sites that are located on the following land:

• National Park
• Conservation Park
• Nature Reserve

Permits are granted for a term of 7 years and are issued for apiary sites on the following types of land:

• State Forest
• Timber reserve
• Unallocated Crown Land
• Pastoral leases
• Mining tenements

There is a non-refundable application fee for each application, that allows you to select up to 5 sites. This fee contributes towards the cost of DBCA assessing and administering your application.

If you are granted an apiary authority, you will be charged an annual fee to keep the site. This fee contributes towards the cost of DBCA managing sites for beekeeping on certain Crown lands. Beekeepers no longer using sites are encouraged to return the apiary authorities to avoid paying unnecessary annual fees and so that other beekeepers can use the sites.

Beekeepers are able to borrow sites held by other beekeepers, with approval from the site holder. To do this, you need to make a “Temporary use” application through the online system.

Beekeepers are strongly encouraged to identify sites that can be accessed without the need to clear native vegetation. However, if clearing is required to place hives on an approved apiary site, this must first be discussed with the DBCA district office, and the beekeeper must apply for a clearing permit from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER). The application for a clearing permit is available on DWER’s website.

Under the Conservation and Land Management Regulations 2002, an Apiary Authority Holder must notify DBCA prior to placing or removing beehives on a site. The online system provides an efficient way for beekeepers to do this Apiary Authority System. Note that this information helps DBCA keep beekeepers informed of any operations that may affect sites, including prescribed burning. Whilst this data will be kept confidential within the department, at an industry level, it also helps to provide insights on site usage.

To conserve the biodiversity and floral resources of WA’s parks, conservation reserves and certain Crown lands for beekeeping, conditions apply to apiary Authorities. The conditions are also in place to help manage the lands for multiple uses and industries, and also address risk management and safety. The General conditions for the use of apiary authorities granted under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 (CALM Act) are available here. The General Conditions came into effect on 15 August 2022.