Gamba grass

CONCERNS about the impact of the African gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus Kunth.)—first released in this country in the 1930s as a cattle pasture—have led to major action across northern Australia.

As detailed in Savanna Links, Issue 34 (Evidence in on the impact of gamba grass, see link this page), research has shown the negative impacts gamba has on fire regimes, intact ecosystems, tree cover and soil composition.

In January, Western Australia declared gamba a weed: it can no longer be brought into or sold in the state, and all known plants must be eradicated.
In response to WA’s action, a group of 200 scientists led by the Weeds CRC, wrote an open letter to State, Territory and Federal governments calling for a total ban on gamba grass.

Queensland has now followed WA and declared gamba a Class 2 weed. Landowners will not be forced to immediately eradicate gamba already planted, but will be required to control any potential spread.

Councils and Park authorities are required to include gamba in pest management plans.

In the Northern Territory, Gamba Grass has also been declared a weed: to be managed to limit its spread in an area between Katherine and Darwin; and to be eradicated in the rest of the NT.

The Australasian Fire Authorities Council then released an Official Position Paper on gamba grass “to establish an informed national approach to the use, management and control of gamba grass in relation to fire risks.”

Gamba was also nominated as a Key Threatening Process under the Federal EPBC Act and is currently being assessed.