Invasive buffel grass threatens sacred Aboriginal waterholes as mining spreads
Buffel grass can burn at 300 degrees, threatening native trees and sacred Aboriginal waterholes as mining expands.
Buffel grass is an invasive weed. It has spread across central and northern Australia since the 1870s.
It is now breaking free in South Australia's mid north. The grass can burn at 300 degrees, hot enough to kill native trees and desert vegetation.
Mining and energy projects increase the risk of seeds spreading to protected areas and sacred waterholes in the Gawler Ranges. South Australia declared it a weed in 2015.
The NT government spends $750,000 a year to manage it. But the federal government refuses to call it a national weed.
Farming groups oppose action because they use it as stock feed.
- 300 degrees
- Burn temperature
- $750,000
- NT annual management cost
- 1870s
- Year introduced to Australia
- $5 billion
- Farming sector claimed economic benefit
Why it mattersUnchecked spread could damage ecosystems, cultural sites, and trigger major fires while costing 60 times more to manage than farming benefits it provides.
AustraliaIf the federal government declares buffel grass a national weed, management efforts across Australia would intensify, affecting farming practices and conservation priorities.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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