The Hon. Joshua Burgoyne, Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment (NT), Media Release, 19 March 2026
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has finalised the Northern Territory Buffel Grass Weed Management Plan 2026-36, which provides certainty for pastoralists and outlines a strategic path forward to manage its impact on the environment into the future.
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said there was a broad range of views on buffel grass, and this plan was about getting the balance right.
“Buffel grass creates significant challenges relating to fire and environmental management and is also an important feed source for pastoralists and their cattle,” said Mr Burgoyne.
“We acknowledge the work of the pastoral industry to manage buffel grass on their properties, along with the need for more to be done to manage buffel grass around our towns and conservation areas.”
The plan underwent extensive consultation and received more than 200 submissions during the Have Your Say period, which was extended from four to eight weeks by the Minister to ensure ample opportunity for community input.
A Weed Advisory Committee consisting of members from the pastoral and agricultural industry, Alice Springs Town Council, Central Land Council, private conservation land managers and relevant Territory and Commonwealth government agencies assisted with the development of the plan.
The plan focuses on protecting priority conservation areas, including reserves and parks around the regions of Alice Springs and Tennant Creek. It also contains important measures to reduce further spread along transport corridors.
“This plan is not a short-term solution; it is a long-term approach to address the impacts of buffel grass on our environment,” said Mr Burgoyne.
“Buffel grass cannot be feasibly eradicated, and its management is no overnight fix. This plan provides clear guidelines on how it will be managed into the future.”
The plan allows pastoralists to continue to manage buffel grass through grazing of cattle with permits required for any individual or business wanting to import buffel seed from interstate.
“Concerns raised through community consultation around an industry-wide permit for the importation of seed has been heard loud and clear,” said Mr Burgoyne.
Mr Burgoyne said it is the responsibility of all landowners to manage buffel grass on their properties, with management responsibilities such as herbicide application, manual removal and ensuring good weed hygiene on conservation areas.
“Our government is delivering on our commitment to restore our unique Territory lifestyle. Everyone must do their bit when it comes to buffel grass management,” said Mr Burgoyne.
Read the Northern Territory Buffel Grass Weed Management Plan 2026-36 at Buffel grass | NT.GOV.AU
