Gamba grass infestation can wreak a devastating impact on the landscape and is a severe fire hazard, increasing both the intensity and ferocity of bushfires. In addition to the threat to life and property it causes, Gamba grass is also a threat to our tourism industry due to its degradation of the natural environment. Comprehensive management is the only solution.
A Country Liberal Government will put in place a comprehensive management framework to prioritise the removal of Gamba grass with the ambitious but important goal of eradicating Gamba from all Crown land across the Territory. This includes land owned by local government.
A CLP Government will empower and resource the Weeds Branch to oversee this policy priority. This will include developing the Gamba Management Network consisting of Local Government, Aboriginal Rangers, environmental organisations and other community groups to get the job done.
A CLP Government will provide training in identifying, removing and vigilant monitoring of Gamba grass, equipment and herbicide to landholders, whether private or otherwise, to help them remove gamba from their lands.
If elected, the CLP Government’s three-point plan for Gamba grass eradication will be:
1. Empower and resource the Weeds Branch in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to oversee a comprehensive management plan;
2. Work with private landholders to ensure that landholders are trained in in identifying, removing and vigilant monitoring of Gamba grass, and with equipment and herbicide;
3. Form a Gamba Management Network, consisting of Local Government, Aboriginal Rangers, environmental organisations and other community groups.