The break in monsoon rain means now is the perfect time for Top End rural residents to pick up their free herbicide to help combat the spread of Gamba grass.

Department of Land Resource Management (DLRM) Weed Management Branch acting Director, Geri Lee, said monsoonal rains have triggered rapid gamba grass growth.

Ms Lee said the anticipated break in the weather will provide a valuable window of opportunity to spray gamba grass while still at a manageable size.

“The combination of alternating heavy rain and sunny periods seen during the late Wet season provides Gamba grass with ideal growing opportunities,” Ms Lee said.

“Dry periods are crucial for gamba grass control, as rain can literally wash herbicide away if it occurs within two hours of spraying.

“At this time of year it is hard to make the link between lush green grass and bushfires, but it is important to recognise that Gamba grass contributed to devastating wildfires last Dry Season.

 “Without active control in the Wet season, fuel loads will again reach dangerous levels, so please act now by accessing the resources provided through the Gamba Grass Assistance Program.

“This is the fifth year free limited herbicide is being made available to landholders with participant numbers increasing from 215 in 2010 to more than 1000 last wet season.

“We have already had more than 100 rural residents pick up free herbicide and we expect there will be increased demand for free herbicide as Gamba grass starts to flourish.

“This Program is helping save lives and reducing the wild fire risk to property and the environment due to its increasing uptake.”

Free herbicide is available from:

·         Bushfires NT depot, Batchelor

·         Coomalie Community Government Council, Batchelor

·         Freds Pass Sport and Recreation Reserve, Bees Creek

·         Territory Wildlife Park, Berry Springs

·         Douglas Daly Research Farm, Douglas Daly

·         Milne Volunteer Fire Station

·         Weed Management Branch DLRM – Katherine Depot, Crawford Street

·         Wagait Beach Council

Go to www.nt.gov.au/gamba for more information about free herbicide and equipment loans.

Media Note - For further information / interview please contact Geri Lee on 8999 4414.

Issued: 11am Wednesday, 7 January 2015