Beelovers , urge State and local leaders to take immediate action to protect the Mornington Peninsula's unique honeybee population and pristine honey industry from the devastating effects of Varroa mite.

As founder of SavethebeesAustralia from the Mornington Peninsula, we recognise the rare opportunity we have to safeguard our region's pest-free bees and world-renowned honey. Our peninsula's unique geography provides a natural barrier against the introduction of Varroa mites.

Our region is blessed with two major honey flows from Tea tree (Leptospermum laevigatum) and Moonah, producing some of the world's finest medicinal honey. To protect this valuable resource, we propose:

Establish a Varroa-free zone on the Mornington Peninsula, prohibiting the introduction of non-local bees to prevent Varroa mite infestation.

By taking this proactive measure, we can:

• Safeguard our region's unique bee population and pristine honey industry
  - Protect our medicinal honey, sought after for its unique properties
  - Support local beekeepers and the local economy
  - Preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Mornington Peninsula
•  compensate the few beekeepers who have pollination obligations out of the area