Action on Gamba Grass a major issue for residents in Daly by-election

More than half of all Gamba records occur within Daly electorate

Residents in the Daly electorate are asking candidates in the upcoming by-election to support more gamba action if elected. The spread of Gamba grass across the Territory is fuelling dangerous bushfires, threatening homes and natural environments – particularly within the Daly electorate.

New analysis from the Centre for Conservation Geography has shown that 58% of recorded Gamba grass infestations have occurred within the Daly electorate – the highest level across the Northern Territory.

Darwin River resident, Andrew Spiers, has witnessed homes and properties burning during gamba fires in the Darwin River area. 

“Sadly, gamba fires have now become an annual dry season event. Many residents feel overwhelmed by the amount of gamba they have, and the effort required to eradicate it. We need more assistance from the Northern Territory Government if we are to beat gamba and stay safe,” said Mr Spiers.

Adelaide River local, Sandy May, has gamba infested properties near her home, where her family raise cattle. 

“We know how destructive gamba fires are, so we try to keep our property relatively gamba-free, but gamba fires from nearby properties burn into our place, destroying our pastures and forcing us to buy expensive feed for our cattle. Greater compliance and enforcement of existing gamba laws is required to protect those properties who do the right thing,” said Ms May.

Labasheeda Park Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Deputy Captain, Therese Balanzategui, has spent years fighting gamba fires across the Daly electorate, in places like Darwin River, Berry Springs and Batchelor. 

“Locals are facing heightened fire conditions made worse by gamba. The Gamba Army is just a start – residents across Daly need increased gamba mitigation efforts on public lands and help to reduce fire risks facing communities. It’s important that whoever is elected on Saturday is a strong voice for increased gamba action in the Northern Territory,” said Ms Balanzategui.

Gamba Grass Roots is a campaign to raise awareness of the threat posed by gamba grass to our homes and communities, our tourism sector and our unique Top End landscape and wildlife.

Gamba grass records by NT electorate:

Source: Centre for Conservation Geography, September 2021. Compiled from Northern Territory weeds dataset, Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security, Northern Territory Government, 2018