Buffel Grass: Weed or Lifeline?

It's March 14th in Adelaide. Let's get into the news.

Traditional owners from Central Australia are in Canberra urging the federal government

to declare Buffalo grass a weed of national significance.

This invasive plant is already listed as a weed in South Australia and the Northern Territory,

but the cattle industry strongly opposes the move.

Environmental groups argue it needs to join the existing 32 weeds on the national list

to protect vast desert landscapes.

Planted in the arid interior since the 1920s,

Buffalo grass has spread across millions of hectares.

It overtakes native plants in plains, creeks, hills and dunes,

threatening sacred indigenous sites and boosting wildfire risks.

Around Alice Springs, it covers about 80% of the ground,

making control a major challenge.

Local leaders like the Alice Springs mayor stressed the need for strategic action,

since full eradication is not feasible.

Traditional owners and experts warned that without coordinated efforts,

the region's ecosystems and cultural heritage face irreversible damage.

They see national recognition as a key first step.

Meanwhile, cattle producers across the Northern Territory, Queensland and beyond

rely on buffalo grass as vital fodder.

It thrives in dry conditions, turning Sparsland into productive pasture

for operations handling thousands of cattle.

Industry leaders fear a national listing would bring heavy regulations

and uncertainty for investors.

The delegation is pushing for federal funding of a national buffalo coordinator

and a plan to manage the grass while restoring arid areas.

The government's decision remains pending,

highlighting the tub balance between environmental protection and pastoral livelihoods.

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