Bees colony's are collapsing over the world. Bees are pivotal to our survival. If they die out we run out of food in 4 years. Bees pollinate they supply us with food. Most governments and councils are doing everything they can to help and support the people who choose to keep bees in there yards. In the name of sustainability Australians should be encouraged to produce there own. Keeping bees is mutually beneficial to bees and communities. Presently the state legislation says that for a house block 400m - 1000m 2 bee hives are allowed this is reasonable. Mackay City Council have made keeping bees illegal. They are prosecuting and fineing people for having bees in any yard zoned residential. under the Rural Use Class 8.2.2 Animal husbandry act Under the act the keeping of any insect of any kind is not allowed. This includes indigenous bees right down to a childs ant farm. This is a disgrace and needs to altered to allow a wonderful hobby to be allowed. Urban areas are a safe haven for bees unlike agriculture there is less insecticide used. Bees connect families with nature. Raw honey is superior and healthy than the Chinese imports at the supermarket. It is through lack of understanding that these laws are passed and its through education and people power that they can be changed. This legislation altered to allow beekeeping on residential zoned blocks 2 hives is reasonable. regards Barry Parkins Please share for Barry and all urban beekeepers. http://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2016-10-05/beehives-creating-a-sitcky-situation-in-mackay/7904782?pfmredir=sm .