South Australia launches inquiry as invasive buffel grass fuels fire danger
A surge in buffel grass after heavy rains has heightened bushfire risk in parts of South Australia, prompting a parliamentary inquiry into its management.
Significant rain this year has caused buffel grass to proliferate across South Australia's north-west, creating dense, highly flammable fuel that the Country Fire Service warns could intensify spring and summer bushfires. Alison May, the CFS director of community risk, resilience and planning, said the vegetation is already drying out as temperatures rise. In response, a parliamentary inquiry chaired by MP Erin Thompson is examining current management practices and potential strategies to curb the weed's spread.
Advocates from the Invasive Species Council, such as James Johnston, stress the need for resources to protect communities, noting the grass burns at about 300 degrees. Conversely, Livestock SA chair Gillian Fennell argues the species provides essential feed and erosion control for pastoralists, suggesting a balanced approach is required.
Why it matters
The spread of a fire-prone invasive weed could increase bushfire danger for South Australian communities while also affecting livestock farming.
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