LIA FINOCCHIARO MLA
MEDIA RELEASE
27th June 2020

Country Liberal Government will weed out Gamba Grass
​A Country Liberal Government will work to eradicate Gamba grass across the Northern Territory to protect the natural environment and reduce fire risk, through a comprehensive management framework, Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said today.
 “Today I’m announcing a three point plan that a Country Liberal Government will implement to tackle Gamba grass. We have an ambitious but focused target to eliminate Gamba grass from all Crown land across the Territory, including land owned by local government,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
 A CLP Government will:
  •  Empower and resource the Weeds Branch in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to develop and oversee a comprehensive crown land eradication plan.
  •  Work with private landholders to ensure they are trained in identifying, removing and monitoring Gamba grass and are supported with equipment and herbicide.
  •  Form a Gamba Management Network consisting of local government, Aboriginal rangers, environmental organisations and other community groups.
“Gamba grass infestation can wreak a devastating impact on the landscape and is a severe fire hazard, increasing both the intensity and ferocity of bushfires. In addition to the threat to life and property it causes, Gamba grass is also a threat to our tourism industry with its destruction of the natural environment,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“A Country Liberal Government will empower and resource the Weeds Branch to oversee this policy priority. This will include developing the Gamba Management Network consisting of local government, aboriginal rangers, environmental organisations and other community groups to inform the strategy and coordinate Government’s approach.
“We will provide training in identifying, removing and monitoring of Gamba grass, and provide equipment and herbicide to landholders, whether private or otherwise, to help them manage it on their land.
“This is a practical policy that will benefit the environment, landholders and the tourism industry. It’s a simple goal that will require a coordinated effort, but it can be achieved and more can be done,” Mrs Finocchiaro concluded.

"Only together can we build a better Territory for you and your family.”

- LIA FINOCCHIARO MLA, Leader of the Country Liberal Party and member for Spillett