As many readers know, buffel grass has a storied and complicated history in the NT, with first introductions traced back to the saddle bags of Afghan cameleers in the 1800s. It was subsequently introduced as a drought-resistant feed and for dust suppression throughout the latter 20th Century. Buffel grass as we know it now is a combination of at least seven different genetic variants from Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, and as such is highly adaptable to different environments and extreme conditions.
Buffel grass has become widespread across Central Australia, impacting biodiversity, as well as cultural values and practices. It grows prolifically following seasonal rains, is a significant contributor to fuel loads for bushfires and is an early re-invader following any disturbance.
In July 2024, buffel grass was declared a weed in the NT, and the Northern Territory Government committed $750 000 annually to improve buffel grass management. The Weed Management Branch has employed additional Alice Springs based staff; a Technical Officer (Max) and a Program Manager (Amber) to co-ordinate management activities across Central Australia.
The buffel grass team has initially focused on developing capacity to support the community to manage buffel on the lands where they live and work. During this time, Max has met with over 20 technical staff and volunteer teams across the Alice region, on private and public land.
Max has seen firsthand the positive impact that committed individuals are having on the environment through dedicated and focused work at small scales. After a devastating fire in the Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historic Reserve, Max began supporting and assisting Landcare volunteers and Park Rangers to treat buffel in strategic patches, taking on personal stewardship of one small area of regrowth to test treatment techniques and monitor landscape regeneration.
Since initial treatments began in December, Max has recorded at least 10 new native species returning to areas once dominated by buffel. Through careful and continued monitoring and treatment on this site, Max is developing best practice methodologies to apply to more sites of significance. As we develop our capacity, the buffel program will be taking on support roles in strategic new sites in parks, crown lands, Aboriginal lands, and private properties.
The priorities for buffel on-ground work for 2025 include: the development of a best practice manual, priority site treatment and monitoring across all land tenures, centralised infestation and management mapping, and the implementation of a landholder support program.
Members of the public interested in managing buffel on their land are encouraged to reach out to Max for a one-to-one site assessment, recommendations, and ongoing technical support through the program. The details of a coordinated landholder support program are in development, and participants are invited to email Max at the contact details below to register their interest.
Working against buffel is challenging, but it rewards the committed. The Weed Management Branch is looking forward to working with landholders and land managers to protect country.
Max Arkley-Smith
Buffel Grass Officer
Weed Management Branch / Rangelands Division
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
Northern Territory Government
