Declaring buffel grass a weed, as it is in South Australia, will be considered by a technical working group assessing the impacts of, and approaches to, the introduced plant that is causing extensive damage to native flora and providing fuel for massive bushfires.
Environment Minister Lauren Moss this morning announced the formation of the group which will report to the government “later this year”.
We have asked when, and how much money the government has set aside for the campaign against what is widely already recognised as a weed, even if not declared.
The announcement follows a major fire in the West MacDonnell national park and a blaze at south-eastern edge of the Alice Springs municipality, where three dwellings were destroyed, last Friday (photo below).
Minister Moss says: “While buffel grass has provided valuable fodder as well as dust suppression and erosion control in desert areas since the 1960s, there is increasing concern about its role in heightening wildfire intensity, and associated impacts on biodiversity.”
The initiatives to be examined by the group will include strategic fuel reduction programs undertaken by Bushfires NT and Parks and Wildlife and firebreak and road verge management programs.
Meanwhile a Bushfires NT spokeswoman, in response to questions from the Alice Springs News, said yesterday that the Tjoritja / West MacDonnell blaze has burned about 2000 square kilometres.
An extensive blaze occurred in the park in early 2019, destroying vegetation across a half of its area.
The spokeswoman says in a written reply that the fires “are now contained after a concerted effort by Parks and Wildlife and Bushfires NT staff and volunteers over the weekend, with support from NTFRS.
“Park Rangers and Bushfires NT staff will continue to monitor the fire grounds over the next few days to ensure they are fully secured.
“The vast majority of the Larapinta Trail was unaffected by the fires.
“Sections 1 to 3 and Sections 10 to 12 have been re-opened as of Sunday, March 26.
“Rangers are currently assessing Sections 4 to 9 to confirm they are safe for public access.
“While it is expected that some parts of Section 4 and Section 7 were fire-affected, it is expected that the entire trail will be open for public use from Saturday April 1 as planned. Some minor maintenance work may continue after that date.”
Bushfires NT did not provide the requested details about the number of hectares where precautionary burning had taken place in the West and East MacDonnells in the last 12 months: “Multiple aerial incendiary and ground burns were conducted at strategic locations across the Central Australian parks estate during 2022, several of which are proving to be very valuable in minimising the impact of the currently active fires.”
Details were also missing in the reply to this question: In how many hectares did buffel eradication take place in the last 12 months?
Bushfires NT replied: “Parks and Wildlife implements an annual program of strategic pest plant and animal control and fire management which seeks to protect the highest value natural and cultural assets on the parks estate.
“Buffel control forms a significant component of this program in Central Australia.”
This article appeared on Alice Springs News on 29 March 2023.
Related stories: Taking action on buffel: Moss; Park burns as war on buffel grass hots up; Hand-wringing main response to buffel inferno.
