Joint media release: Labor delivers on tackling gamba grass in the Top End

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, Senator for the Northern Territory
The Hon Luke Gosling OAM MP, Federal Member for Solomon
The Hon Marion Scrymgour MP, Federal Member for Lingiari

The Albanese Labor Government has injected $540,000 to the fight against the destructive weed, gamba grass, in the Northern Territory’s Top End.

This initial funding commitment is part of Labor’s election promise to provide $9.8 million over 4 years to help manage the significant threat this weed poses to the biodiversity of the Top End. 

Gamba grass is one of the greatest environmental threats to the Northern Territory, invading bushland and river corridors and causing ecosystem degradation and habitat loss, putting further pressure on our threatened native species.

Tackling this highly invasive weed is an issue to which the Government remains committed, working in partnership with the Northern Territory Government, environmental organisations and Traditional Owners.

This new funding boost will support vital planning ahead of priority on-ground eradication work before the start of the wet season when gamba grass is actively growing. 

This project will also create additional local job opportunities, including for local Indigenous Rangers.

Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek:

“Gamba grass grows up to 4 metres high and is a terrible threat to our delicate ecosystems, displacing native grasses and fueling hot, intense fires that destroy important tree canopies.

“We must do what we can to eradicate gamba grass as a matter of urgency. We are working with our partners in the Northern Territory to kick start priority work ahead of the wet season.

“This new funding will build on, not replace, the Northern Territory Government’s existing Gamba Army. 

“This project will also create additional local job opportunities, including with local Indigenous ranger groups.”