Invasive buffel grass threatens Central Australian wildfires, groups urge federal action
Environmental groups and local leaders are calling for a federal inquiry and national weed listing to curb buffel grass, which is rapidly spreading and intensifying fire risk in Central Australia.
Buffel grass, introduced a century ago as cattle feed, is now spreading rapidly after recent heavy rains in Central Australia's Red Centre, raising concerns about extreme fire behavior. The Invasive Species Council urges a federal inquiry and classification of the grass as a weed of national significance, noting that industry pressure has postponed the decision until December. Volunteer firefighters report that the invasive grass already fuels most fires they attend, burning at temperatures up to 300 °C hotter than native species and threatening tree habitats.
Local leaders such as Alice Springs Mayor Asta Hill and NT Labor MP Chansey Paech call for national coordination, sustained funding, and a decisive plan to halt its expansion. The Northern Territory government has declared the plant a weed and pledged $750,000 annually for control, but current eradication methods are labor-intensive and struggle against thousands of kilometres of infestation. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt has been contacted for comment.
Why it matters
Buffel grass could dramatically increase wildfire intensity, endangering ecosystems and communities across Central Australia.
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