In March 2017 DPS, in partnership with the ANU Apiculture Society and the Canberra office of Aurecon, installed three beehives in the native landscape outside Parliament House.

The beehive initiative is part of a global effort to tackle the decline of bee populations—crucial to Australia’s food security, agriculture and environmental sustainability. The grounds at APH are an ideal area to host the hives as part of the department’s environmental approach to protecting the building’s surrounding habitats and ecosystems.

The three beehives include an Australian designed award winning Flow Hive that allows the honey to be collected without having to disrupt the bees or open the hive. The other hives are the Langstrogh Hive and Top Bar Hive.

DPS is hosting the three beehives at no cost in partnership with Aurecon and the ANU Apiculture Society who will manage the hives.

‘We’re honoured to be supporting Australian Parliament House’s roll-out of this important initiative.’

Aurecon’s Head beekeeper, Cormac Farrell, will monitor and maintain APH’s new beehives to ensure the hives are safe and healthy.

The beehive initiative follows the installation of beehives at the White House and parliaments in Western Australia and Queensland. Beehives were also kept in the gardens of Old Parliament House in 1976, managed by the then Member for Holt, William Yates.

The first harvest of honey is expected in Spring 2017 and the honey produced will eventually be available from The Parliament Shop, as well as featuring in dishes served at events.