New Management Zones for Gamba Grass
Gamba grass has been declared a weed in the Northern Territory under the Weeds Management Act.
The Northern Territory Government recognises that gamba grass has been a useful pasture species but this has come at a cost to our natural environment. Gamba grass creates very high fuel loads that are up to seven times higher than that of our natural grasses. These high fuel loads are destroying native plant communities that our animals depend on for their survival.
The new management zones aim to protect our natural environment for the future, while also reducing the risk to human health and property by wildfires. A transition period will be put in place to assist landholders with these new management requirements.
A draft management plan for gamba grass was released for public comment in September and October 2009 and provided the community with an opportunity to have input into how gamba grass can be controlled, contained or removed. The Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport is now working on the final Weed Management Plan for Gamba Grass.
The Government will work in partnership with the community and landholders to manage gamba grass and control the spread of this weed.
If you are not sure which management zone your property is in or you need advice on managing gamba grass please phone 8999 4567.
