The NT Government should formally support the buffel grass Weeds of National Significance nomination and urgently declare it as a Class A weed in areas where its presence is limited or absent.
Buffel grass is an introduced species that is spreading rapidly across northern and central Australia. Government elsewhere has recognised it as a serious threat to native ecosystems. It is often described as a “transformer species” because it can fundamentally change how landscapes function.
Buffel grass out‑competes native plants and reduces biodiversity, alters fire behaviour by creating denser fuel loads which can cause fires in buffel‑dominated landscapes to burn hotter, spread faster, and occur more often.
Our member organisations manage large areas of land in the Northern Territory, and report that buffel grass incursions are increasing across these properties. Managing buffel grass is costly, time‑intensive, and ongoing. Its spread is already affecting the ability of conservation areas to protect biodiversity and cultural values. It also increases fire risk for staff, infrastructure, and surrounding landscapes.
Buffel grass has not yet fully invaded all parts of the Territory, and preventing new incursions is far more effective than managing widespread infestations later.
Full and proper recognition of buffel grass as a weed and driver of negative ecosystem transformation would improve coordination and access to shared tools and funding.
Our submission recommends that the Northern Territory Government:
- Support listing buffel grass as a Weed of National Significance
- Identify areas where buffel grass is absent or limited and declare it as a Class A weed (requiring eradication) in those locations.
