Gamba grass doesn't belong in Queensland. But this highly invasive and aggressive species has infiltrated Cape York and the coastal north. Gamba grass not only crowds out native species and hurts biodiversity, it is also a terrible fire hazard. Fires fueled by gamba grass burn eight times hotter than fires occuring amidst Queensland's native vegetation.
Along with cat's claw creeper and Madeira vine, gamba grass is under study by Queensland's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry. But it is not enough to know the dangers of these invasive species. A specific and effective action plan needs to be implemented. Education must play an important role in defeating invasive weeds.
Cat's claw creeper and Madeira vine are, sadly, introduced to private property as ornamentals.From there, they can spread throughout a neighborhood and on into the wild. Tell DAFF to warn the public of the dangers of invasive non-natives and draw up a battle plan to eradicate them.
We the undersigned appreciate your attention to invasive, non-native plants in Queensland. Gamba grass, Madeira vine and cat's claw creeper endanger more beneficial native plants and threaten biodiversity. Because of its potential as a fire hazard, gamba grass even threatens agriculture and human habitations. We support your efforts to educate the public about the dangers of invasive weeds, and we respectfully ask that you move as quickly as possible in the direction of an action plan to combat this important problem.
