REAL BUZZ FOR NATIVE BEE HONEY

UNIQUE honey sourced from North Stradbroke Island will get The Star Gold Coast buzzing just in time for the Commonwealth Games.

The Broadbeach casino has formed a partnership with the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation to use honey produced by native bees at two of its restaurants, Kiyomi and the Garden Kitchen and Bar.

“We’ll be using the honey for our premium offerings basically,” Treasury Brisbane executive chef Steven Jones said.

He said it had a “lovely citrus, a lovely orange flavour”.

Mr Jones said the honey was quite distinct and would be incorporated into The Star’s dishes when the Commonwealth Games began.

Native bee expert Dr Tim Heard said up to 20,000 of the stingless bees lived in each hive and could produce about Ikg of honey every six to 12 months.

At least 32 hives will be placed on the island in the coming weeks.

Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation rangers will care for the bees.