Andropogon gayanus (Gamba grass)
Frequently Asked Questions
| Frequently Asked Questions | (pdf 1.09Mb) |
Why was gamba grass declared as a weed?
The declaration of gamba grass is based on a comprehensive weed risk assessment which found gamba grass to be a very high weed risk, but where potential exists for successful management.
Who is affected by this declaration?
The Act is binding on all land owners, managers and occupiers of land, and all other land users in the Northern Territory.
What are the declaration zones?
Gamba grass has been declared as:
Class A: to be eradicated in all areas of the NT except where it is it classified as Class B.
Class B: growth and spread to be controlled This is an area roughly bounded by the NT coastline in the north, the western boundary of Kakadu National Park in the east, the town of Katherine in the south, and the Daly River mouth in the west.
Class C: not to be introduced into the NT (all Class A and B areas are also Class C).
View the new management zones map
Why are some areas required to eradicate and others control gamba grass?
The mixed declaration classes reflect the varying feasibility of control between the two areas, that is:
Class A (low density) = high feasibility of eradication;
Class B (high density) = lower feasibility of eradication;
Class C to prevent new introductions into the NT.
How much of the Territory is affected by gamba grass?
It is estimated that gamba grass has a range of between 10 000 and 15 000 km2 within about 350 kms from Darwin. It is abundant in Darwin, Palmerston and in the Coomalie and Litchfield Shires.
Why is a management plan necessary?
The Weed Management Plan forms part of a strategic approach to gamba grass management in the Northern Territory, with the overall aim being to mitigate the damage caused by gamba grass in relation to the natural environment, property, infrastructure and public health.
What does the management plan do?
The management plan establishes the objectives and outcomes to be achieved by land managers, and provides a range of suggested options to achieve these outcomes.
Who was consulted in the drafting of the Plan?
The draft Weed Management Plan has been developed with extensive stakeholder consultation. It aims to address the concerns of all stakeholders by providing strategic management directives intended to mitigate the economic and environmental risks posed by gamba grass, while addressing the desire for continued use of some existing gamba grass pasture in the Management Zone (Class B/C).
Can I use gamba grass as a pasture if I am in the Eradication Zone (Class A/C)?
Section 31 of the Weeds Management Act enables people to apply to the Minister for a Permit to use a declared weed. Any person wishing to use or manage gamba grass other than in accordance with the Weed Management Plan can apply for a permit.
What do I need to prove for a permit to be issued?
Applicants will need to demonstrate that the grant of a permit will not compromise the intent of this plan. If a permit is issued, it will be subject to conditions determined by the Minister as determined on a case-by-case basis.
How difficult is gamba grass to eradicate or control?
Depending on the level of infestation, successful weed management outcomes may take time and repeated effort.
Weed control will be more successful where appropriate grazing regimes are implemented, and where feral animals, fire and erosion is managed.
How does a property weed management plan help control weeds?
A weed plan can clarify how weed control can best be achieved in a specified location and time period. A weed plan should address which eradication and control methods are required to meet or achieve the requirements of the Weed Management Plan.
Weed plan templates and advice is available from the Weed Management Branch.
How often will this Plan be reviewed?
All statutory weed management plans endorsed under the Weeds Management Act must be reviewed every three years.
Can I give feedback on the draft Weed Management Plan for Gamba Grass?
The Northern Territory Government relies on receiving feedback from people who are involved in on-ground gamba management to ensure the weed management plan can be continually assessed and subsequently improved.
