Evidence suggests that bees first appeared over 120 million years ago. Currently, there are 25,000 different species of bee, which is more than the world’s combined total of mammal and bird species. Of these, 2,000 species are found within Australia, with 1,660 of these being formally named. Eleven of Australia’s native bees are stingless, with three of these species found on the Fraser Coast. These are Tetragonula carbonaria, Tetragonula hockingsi and Austroplebia australis.
Bees play a critical role in sustaining healthy ecosystems and are one of the most important pollinating species, with an estimated 90% of all (global) wild flowering species depending on bees (and other pollinators). Not only do they transfer pollen between plants as part of the plant’s reproductive cycle, they are also fundamental for maintaining biodiversity, habitats and ecological processes. Additionally, pollinators such as bees are an important part of food production practices. Up to 25% of all our food and drink is thanks to the work of bees.
Fraser Coast Regional Council has installed several native stingless beehives throughout Hervey Bay. Most notably, within the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens, Community Nursery, Arkarra Lagoons and adjacent the All-Abilities Playground on the Esplanade at Pialba. A hive at the Hervey Bay Regional Gallery helps to pollinate the Butchulla bush tucker garden.
