Published Thursday, 03 April, 2008 at 01:10 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Gamba grass to be declared a Class 2 weed
Gamba grass is to be declared a Class 2 weed in Queensland.
The decision announced today by Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin ends an extensive consultation process.
“This is a sensible, balanced position that takes into account concerns from environmental and industry groups,” Mr Mulherin, said.
“The reality is that gamba grass has the potential to become a major weed if not controlled but it also provides valuable cattle fodder, particularly in drought conditions.
“Gamba grass is native to tropical Africa and can grow up to 4m tall. It exists in scattered areas, primarily across the Cape York and Gulf regions.’’
“It is estimated that it has been planted on around 18,000 hectares, based on the quantity of seed sold.
“The decision will stop the sale of gamba grass seeds, require landholders to control it and require local governments to include it in their pest management plans for all areas.’’
Mr Mulherin said the decision did not force landowners, who had already planted the seed to provide fodder for their cattle, to immediately eradicate it from managed pastures.
“But it does mean they will have to carefully control any potential spread,” he said.
“This decision is to ensure that gamba grass does not get out of hand.
“It is a serious offence to introduce, keep or supply a Class 2 pest without a permit issued by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. Penalties of up to $30,000 apply.’’
DPI&F will produce guidelines and an enforcement policy for landowners, information on management and if necessary, research on control practices.
Mr Mulherin said the decision had not been made lightly.
“It was important that the economic, environmental and social impacts of the plant were carefully weighed against its benefits,” he said.
While the regulatory steps necessary to enact the Class 2 declaration are carried out, an emergency pest notice preventing the further sale of gamba grass seed will be in place from mid-April.
Media: 3239 6530
The decision announced today by Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin ends an extensive consultation process.
“This is a sensible, balanced position that takes into account concerns from environmental and industry groups,” Mr Mulherin, said.
“The reality is that gamba grass has the potential to become a major weed if not controlled but it also provides valuable cattle fodder, particularly in drought conditions.
“Gamba grass is native to tropical Africa and can grow up to 4m tall. It exists in scattered areas, primarily across the Cape York and Gulf regions.’’
“It is estimated that it has been planted on around 18,000 hectares, based on the quantity of seed sold.
“The decision will stop the sale of gamba grass seeds, require landholders to control it and require local governments to include it in their pest management plans for all areas.’’
Mr Mulherin said the decision did not force landowners, who had already planted the seed to provide fodder for their cattle, to immediately eradicate it from managed pastures.
“But it does mean they will have to carefully control any potential spread,” he said.
“This decision is to ensure that gamba grass does not get out of hand.
“It is a serious offence to introduce, keep or supply a Class 2 pest without a permit issued by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. Penalties of up to $30,000 apply.’’
DPI&F will produce guidelines and an enforcement policy for landowners, information on management and if necessary, research on control practices.
Mr Mulherin said the decision had not been made lightly.
“It was important that the economic, environmental and social impacts of the plant were carefully weighed against its benefits,” he said.
While the regulatory steps necessary to enact the Class 2 declaration are carried out, an emergency pest notice preventing the further sale of gamba grass seed will be in place from mid-April.
Media: 3239 6530