NT Government Implements Decade-Long Buffel Grass Management Plan

THE Northern Territory Government has finalized its contentious buffel grass management plan for the next 10 years. This decision prompted concerns within the cattle industry regarding its long-term impacts, particularly following the recent classification of buffel grass as a weed.

The NT Government asserts that this plan will empower pastoralists to manage buffel grass through cattle grazing while enforcing regulations for anyone seeking to import buffel seed from other regions.

All landowners are now responsible for managing buffel grass on their properties, utilizing methods such as herbicide application, manual removal, and strict weed hygiene standards in conservation areas.

The 10-Year Management Framework

Buffel grass was officially declared a weed in the Northern Territory under the Weeds Management Act 2001 in July 2024. Shortly after, the Finocchiaro CLP Government, which assumed power in August 2024, unveiled this decade-long management plan during the annual Northern Territory cattle conference in Darwin.

Industry Response: Concerns and Acknowledgments

The Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA) expressed gratitude to Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne for his “considered and balanced approach.” However, the NTCA remains skeptical about the potential long-term consequences of designating buffel grass as a weed.

According to the NTCA, “It is essential that the plan acknowledges the pivotal role buffel plays in pastoral production and provides clarity for its continued use within grazing systems.” They emphasized the need to collaborate closely with the Government to ensure the guidelines remain practical and do not impose undue burdens on pastoral operations.

Aiming for Clear Guidelines

The Finocchiaro CLP Government stated that the new plan will offer “clear, strategic guidelines” for managing buffel grass while ensuring minimal disruption for pastoralists. Effective starting from May 1, the management plan seeks to provide certainty for landowners while addressing environmental concerns.

Minister Burgoyne noted the balancing act required, acknowledging both the challenges and benefits of buffel grass, which poses risks regarding fire and environmental management but also serves as a crucial feed source for cattle.

Community Engagement and Consultation

The planning process included extensive consultations, gathering over 200 submissions within an extended feedback period. The Weed Advisory Committee, comprising representatives from the agricultural sector, local councils, and conservation organizations, aided in shaping the plan towards protecting vital conservation areas around Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.

Ongoing Industry Criticism

During the NTCA conference, President Henry Burke voiced significant concerns, stating that buffel grass policy was “untethered from evidence.” He highlighted its initial introduction aimed at stabilizing soils and supporting sustainable pastoral practices, emphasizing its importance for productivity and biodiversity.

Burke lamented that policy discussions perceived buffel grass merely as a liability, devoid of credible alternatives or a transparent assessment of the broader implications. “This is not balanced regulation but policy unanchored by evidence,” he asserted.

For more details on the NT Buffel Grass Weed Management Plan, click here.