Gamba Grass

The Gamba Action Group (GAG) is a community initiative to tackle the problem of Gamba grass in the Northern Territory. It brings together community members, environmentalists, weed scientists and ecologists to save our native bushland from the threat of Gamba grass. GAG was formed in 2005 by a group of individuals who had seen Gamba grass spread throughout the Coomalie region of the Northern Territory, and recognised the serious threat that Gamba grass posed to the environment.

Gamba grass is a vigorous tall perennial tussock grass that is invading a range of natural ecosystems throughout the Top End of the Northern Territory. It grows to 4 metres (12 feet) high and forms dense stands that choke out native plants and change wildlife habitats.Fires in Gamba grass are known to burn 8 times hotter than native grass fires. These fires have the potential to kill trees and endanger human property and life.

However, there is good news! Gamba grass is still sufficiently localised in its distribution to be controllable, but only if strong, committed action is taken immediately by both the
NT government and the community.

The aims of GAG include:

Promoting an understanding of the threat of Gamba grass to our bushland

Providing useful information about Gamba grass control

Convincing governments at all levels of the need for appropriate
... Gamba legislation, as well as funding for Gamba grass control

Encouraging community participation

We are calling on the NT Government to:

Release the Gamba plan of management for public comment

Immediately declare Gamba grass a weed, as per the plan of management

Actively implement a Gamba weed declaration with long term strategic
commitment

Resource on-ground Gamba action in the community

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