CLP unveils three-point policy to get tough on Gamba grass
The CLP will get tough on Gamba grass should they take government after August, promising a “three-point plan” that includes creating an eradication group.
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THE CLP will get tough on Gamba grass should they take government after August, promising a “three-point plan” that includes creating an eradication group partly made up of community organisations.
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The NT News can reveal Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro will today announce a CLP government would “work to eradicate” the invasive weed from the NT by:
EMPOWERING and resourcing” the Weeds Branch of the Department of Environment to develop and oversee a comprehensive crown land eradication plan.
WORKING with private landholders to ensure they are up to speed with Gamba grass management and supported with equipment and herbicide.
FORMING a “Gamba Management Network” consisting of local government, Aboriginal rangers, environmental organisations and other community groups.
The CLP says it can implement the policy “within the current budget” of the department by repurposing resources. Gamba grass is a declared ‘weed of national significance’ that is incredibly destructive because it burns much hotter than native grasses and increases the fuel load per hectare from two to three tonnes to 30 tonnes.
It was brought into the NT as cattle feed in the 1930s but has turned out to be an absolutely terrible idea in hindsight.
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Successive governments have spent millions trying to eradicate Gamba grass to no avail. Mitch Hart from Pew Charitable Trusts, who heads up the Gamba Grass Roots Alliance, said the “key ingredients” of community good will and government ambition were apparent but there still hasn’t been enough financial firepower to boost eradication resources.
The Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission, tasked with resuscitating the NT’s pandemic-ravaged economy, is looking into a proposed “Gamba Army”— mobilising those without work to fight the weed and in turn create employment.
The TERC will hand down its final report in November.
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