Is Buffel Grass a weed in Victoria
Buffel Grass is a weed that has spread across central and northern Australia. It is not yet a declared weed in Victoria, but it should be!
A serious infestation of Buffel Grass in Merbein in 2022. This infestation has been treated by the Mallee CMA and Mildura Rural City Council.
What’s the status of Buffel Grass in Victoria?
In Victoria, weeds are declared as noxious under the Catchment and Land Protection (CaLP) Act. The list of CaLP weeds has not been updated since 2017 and Buffel Grass is not on the list. It is however listed on the more up-to-date DEECA Advisory list of Environmental Weeds in Victoria (published in 2022) and has a weed risk rating of 32.2 (very high risk). But that list is, like the name implies, only advisory. Legislative responsibilities come from a declaration under the CaLP Act.
The CaLP Act defines four categories of noxious weeds:
state prohibited weeds
regionally prohibited weeds
regionally controlled weeds
restricted weeds
We think that Buffel Grass should be declared a State prohibited weed. Although Buffel Grass is present in Victoria, it poses a serious threat and can reasonably be expected to be eradicated. The Victorian Government is responsible for their eradication, and under section 70(1) of the CaLP Act, it can direct landowners to prevent their growth and spread.
The status of Buffel Grass across Australia and internationally
In September 2023, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report on Invasive Alien Species and their Control recognised Buffel Grass’s potential to completely take over arid ecosystems, forcing out native plant and animal species.
National listing of Buffel Grass
Buffel Grass is recognized as a key threatening process 2015 and Threat Abatement Advice was issued. The weed causes ecosystem degradation, habitat loss and species decline, impacts biodiversity assets and indigenous cultural sites.
There’s strong campaigning to have it declared a Weed of National Significance.
South Australia
South Australia leads the states in responding to Buffel Grass. In 2015 it was declared a weed. It is recognized as one of the greatest pest threats to the arid rangelands of South Australia. In September 2023 the SA government allocated $2.3 million to reduce the threat of Buffel grass. South Australia currently leads Australia in understanding and integrated control, providing clear research and guidelines for control, eg: their Strategic Plan.
Northern Territory
In 2018 a Management Guide was issued. Eradication is unlikely due to vast distribution. The focus is on containment and protection of biodiversity, cultural and built assets. A Technical Working Group is currently preparing recommendations for the Minister by 30 November 2023 on listing Buffel Grass as a weed.