We need to tackle Gamba across Northern Australia

It's time for a national Gamba response

Write to your representatives today to call for a solid commitment to Gamba management, so we can tackle this crisis once and for all.

We need to tackle Gamba across Northern Australia

Gamba grass has proven itself to be a major ecosystem destroyer in Australia’s tropical savannas – fueling hotter, more intense fires, reducing tree cover and biodiversity, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Government supported programs like the Gamba Army have been successful where implemented, but more needs to be done if we are going to stop the spread of this highly flammable weed across Australia’s north.

Most of Australia’s tropical savanna is vulnerable to Gamba invasion – we know that weeds do not stop at state and territory borders. Infestations in the Darwin, Batchelor and Katherine regions continue to expand and without further action it is estimated the potential spread is at least 38 million hectares. We’ve already seen localised infestations in the Kimberley and Far-North Queensland.

Protecting local communities and landscapes 

In response to widespread community concern, the NT Government has adopted a long-term plan for tackling gamba grass. However, federal investment is urgently needed to scale up existing programs and keep the destructive weed out of more places such as the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park and throughout Arnhem Land.

With targeted funding and effort it will be possible to contain its spread to the NT and eradicate this weed elsewhere. The efforts of landholders, land managers and the NT Government have been commendable, however without targeted federal support, we risk Gamba getting out of control.

That’s why Gamba Grass Roots and the Invasive Species Council are calling on all political parties and candidates to commit to the Gamba fight.

This includes: 

  1. $1.9 million per year over 4 years ($7.6 million in total) to create additional full time Gamba Army Coordinators as well as seasonal on-ground jobs.
  2. $550,000 per year over 4 years ($2.2 million in total) to support contractor positions through Aboriginal Rangers and Parks Australia.