List Buffel Grass as a Weed of National Significance

List Buffel Grass as a Weed of National Significance

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Buffel grass was introduced to Australia's arid and semi arid regions to support colonisation and beef production. 

Buffel grass has spread far beyond planted areas and now dominates many landscapes.  It is recognised as one of the greatest threats to country and culture in inland Australia.  It is collapsing ecosystems by:

  • Covering the ground, displacing native grasses and small plants.  
  • Dominating light and space, thus reducing opportunities for native vegetation, including trees, to establish.
  • Reducing soil nitrogen and exhausting the mineral pool.
  • Fuelling very hot, widespread, frequent fires (buffel grass carries an extremely high fuel load and rapidly regrows ...

Buffel grass was introduced to Australia's arid and semi arid regions to support colonisation and beef production. 

Buffel grass has spread far beyond planted areas and now dominates many landscapes.  It is recognised as one of the greatest threats to country and culture in inland Australia.  It is collapsing ecosystems by:

  • Covering the ground, displacing native grasses and small plants.  
  • Dominating light and space, thus reducing opportunities for native vegetation, including trees, to establish.
  • Reducing soil nitrogen and exhausting the mineral pool.
  • Fuelling very hot, widespread, frequent fires (buffel grass carries an extremely high fuel load and rapidly regrows after fire)
  • Changing surface and ground water flows.
  • Severely damages aquatic ecosystem.
  • Posing a catasrophic threat to native animals, driving many to extinction.  

Buffel grass is already found in every mainland state and territory.  70% of the Australian continent is suitable for buffel growth.

We need our representatives in the Federal government to lead the response to this threat at a national level.

 

WHAT IS NEEDED FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Listing as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS)

Buffel grass has been nominated for listing as a WoNS.

WoNS is a list of the most problematic plant species in Australia as determined by the federal government. The list is based on invasiveness, impacts, potential for spread, and socioeconomic and environmental values.

WoNS have individual national strategic management plans. These plans define responsibilities and identify strategies and actions to control the weed species. They facilitate coordinated action from all stakeholders at a national level and improve linkages between research and ongoing control.

Buffel grass needs to be recognised as a WoNS given the current and potential scale, impact of the threat and complexity of management.

 

REQUEST TO FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES

1. National leadership on buffel grass management

2. Support listing of buffel grass as a ‘Weed of National Significance’

3. Allocate funding at a scale commensurate with the problem

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List Buffel Grass as a Weed of National Significance

Email our Federal Environment Minister and call on the Federal Government to respond appropriately to the threat of buffel grass invasion.

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Introduce yourself
Example - I live in...

Identify the issue you are concerned about
Example - Buffel grass is spreading across Australia.
 
Include some facts
Example - Buffel grass is increasing the frequency and intensity of fires. 
 
Explain in your own words how this issue affects you
Example - I am scared of fires fuelled by buffel grass. 
 
Tell the Prime Minister what you want his government to do
Ensure buffel grass is listed as a Weed of National Significance

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