Gamba Grass (Andropogan gayanus), Northern Territory, Australia.
Review of Gamba Grass Weed Management Plan
The Department of Land Resource Management (DLRM) is reviewing the Weed
Management Plan for Andropogan gayanus (Gamba Grass) and Territory land holders and
land users are invited to have their say.
DLRM weed management planner Kirby Doak said this is the first time the gamba
management plan had been reviewed following the declaration of gamba grass and
subsequent development of the plan in 2010.
“Gamba grass is a highly invasive weed that has a negative impact on our environment and
we want to find out if and how the current plan needs improving,” Mr Doak said.
“That’s why we are calling on Territory land holders and land users to comment on the
performance of the management plan because it’s through community consultation that we
can reach the best result.”
Gamba grass was introduced into the Northern Territory in 1931 as a pasture species and
has since spread across much of the Top End, posing a huge fire and environmental threat
to the Darwin, Palmerston, Litchfield and Coomalie areas.
In November 2008, gamba grass was declared to be a Class A (to be eradicated), Class B
(growth and spread to be controlled) and Class C (not to be introduced to the NT) weed in
accordance with the Weeds Management Act. Under the current plan the areas are:
• Class A in all areas of the NT except where it is classified as Class B;
• Class B in 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; and
• Class C across the entire Northern Territory.
“The review will measure the performance of stakeholders and the management outcomes of
the current plan,” Mr Doak said.
“One very pleasing outcome since the plan was launched in 2010 has been the dramatic
increase in land holders making use of the Territory Government’s free seasonal Gamba
Grass Assistance Program.
“Participation rates for this program, that provides land holders with free herbicide and spray
equipment hire, has grown from 200 two years ago to 1000 this year and land holders are no
doubt seeing the difference spraying during the wet season can make in managing gamba
on their property.”
For more information or to obtain a copy of the Plan visit www.nt.gov.au/gamba or contacting
the Weed Management Branch by phoning 8999 4567 or emailing weedinfo@nt.gov.au
Gamba Grass (Andropogan gayanus), Northern Territory, Australia.
Review of Gamba Grass Weed Management Plan
The Department of Land Resource Management (DLRM) is reviewing the Weed
Management Plan for Andropogan gayanus (Gamba Grass) and Territory land holders and
land users are invited to have their say.
DLRM weed management planner Kirby Doak said this is the first time the gamba
management plan had been reviewed following the declaration of gamba grass and
subsequent development of the plan in 2010.
“Gamba grass is a highly invasive weed that has a negative impact on our environment and
we want to find out if and how the current plan needs improving,” Mr Doak said.
“That’s why we are calling on Territory land holders and land users to comment on the
performance of the management plan because it’s through community consultation that we
can reach the best result.”
Gamba grass was introduced into the Northern Territory in 1931 as a pasture species and
has since spread across much of the Top End, posing a huge fire and environmental threat
to the Darwin, Palmerston, Litchfield and Coomalie areas.
In November 2008, gamba grass was declared to be a Class A (to be eradicated), Class B
(growth and spread to be controlled) and Class C (not to be introduced to the NT) weed in
accordance with the Weeds Management Act. Under the current plan the areas are:
• Class A in all areas of the NT except where it is classified as Class B;
• Class B in 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; and
• Class C across the entire Northern Territory.
“The review will measure the performance of stakeholders and the management outcomes of
the current plan,” Mr Doak said.
“One very pleasing outcome since the plan was launched in 2010 has been the dramatic
increase in land holders making use of the Territory Government’s free seasonal Gamba
Grass Assistance Program.
“Participation rates for this program, that provides land holders with free herbicide and spray
equipment hire, has grown from 200 two years ago to 1000 this year and land holders are no
doubt seeing the difference spraying during the wet season can make in managing gamba
on their property.”
For more information or to obtain a copy of the Plan visit www.nt.gov.au/gamba or contacting
the Weed Management Branch by phoning 8999 4567 or emailing weedinfo@nt.gov.au