The Territory Labor Government has stepped up its fight against Gamba Grass with the Gamba Army deployed to key areas.
The Gamba Army is part of a suite of initiatives under the Territory Labor Government’s Gamba Policy – an election promise – to continue managing this noxious weed.
Creating up to 45 local jobs, the Gamba Army will provide targeted support in the prioritised areas of Litchfield National Park, Charles Darwin National Park and the Greater Darwin region.
From this week Territory Natural Resource Management (TNRM) and the NT Weeds Branch is deploying the Gamba Army. More than a dozen personnel will be directly engaged during this first stage, and a further 40 applicants have registered their interest for possible deployment with the Gamba Army in the new year.
TNRM has also established a register of preferred weed spraying contractors who will support the activities of the Gamba Army. This, and the procurement of equipment, herbicide, signage and safety gear, is adding to the number of jobs and local businesses to benefit from the initiative.
The not-for-profit organisation has been engaged by the NT Government to run the $500,000 ‘Gamba Army’ project to protect biodiversity and high use community and recreational areas.
Spraying has begun at Casuarina Coastal reserve, it will then move to Charles Darwin National Park.
Today, the Minister for Environment, Eva Lawler, also launched the Weed Management Plan for Gamba Grass 2020-2030.
The Gamba Grass Weed Advisory Committee has produced this Plan with strong community input.
This Plan lays the foundation for all other actions taken to combat gamba grass, including the creation of a Gamba Army.
To view the management plan visit www.nt.gov.au/gamba
As noted by the Minister for Environment, Eva Lawler:
“The Territory Labor Government knows that smart environment policy is smart economic policy – and that more action is needed to mitigate and control Gamba grass, and that is what we are doing through a coordinated and targeted approach.
“Our Gamba Army will provide targeted support in areas of significance and provide around 45 local jobs for Territorians to assist with stimulating the economy.
“We are ticking off one major election commitment with boots on the ground and spraying commencing today to reduce the impact of gamba grass.”
