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Coomalie Gamba grass management
Gamba Grass is a tropical invasive grass of nightmare proportions and Greening Australia is joining the fight against the invasion.
Introduced to the Top End from Africa for pasture, this species invades a range of ecosystems but is particularly damaging in the savannah woodlands. Gamba Grass grows to 4 metres in height and forms dense stands that burn at incredibly high intensity – up to 10 times higher than native grasses -destroying the woodlands and riparian vegetation, turning the once diverse landscapes into grassland monocultures. Wildfires are the NT’s biggest contribution to carbon emissions and Gamba fires are increasing this output every year.
The Coomalie region, most affected by the onslaught, is leading the way in Gamba Grass management and awareness raising. The issue was highlighted in the Top End land management scene with “Coomalie Burning”, a film made by Greening Australia’s Jaemie Page with the help of Coomalie Green Corps team and Coomalie Landcare (see below).
For further information please email Greening Australia NT.
Project Achievements
- Early intervention to reduce the impact and spread of Gamba Grass.
- Raising community awareness and inspiring action to control Gamba Grass and reduce its spread into tropical vegetation communities.
- Raising awareness of need for a holistic approach to land management.
