Territorians have until Friday 29 April 2016 to obtain their free herbicide and spray equipment loans to combat the damaging spread of gamba grass this wet season.

Department of Land Resource Management, Weed Management Branch Director Geraldine Lee said it was crucial the herbicide was applied to the gamba grass now while the grass was green and before seeds had set.

“This year more than 1400 people have already accessed the Gamba Grass Assistance Program, showing the community understand the importance of managing this invasive weed,” she said.

“We encourage all affected private land holders to take advantage of the Territory Government's assistance to combat gamba grass and obtain their free herbicide and spray equipment before the 29th of April.

“If not managed now, gamba grass plants will dry off to potentially create highly destructive late dry season fires.

“The poor wet season this year has provided excellent opportunities for late gamba grass control so we encourage community to take advantage.”

Free herbicide and spray equipment loans to assist gamba grass control are available from:

·         Fred’s Pass Sport and Recreation Reserve

·         Territory Wildlife Park

·         Coomalie Community Government Council

·         Bushfires NT depot, Batchelor

·         Milne Volunteer Fire Station

·         Douglas Daly Research Farm

·         Beatrice Hill Bushfires NT Marrakai

·         Wagait Beach

·         Katherine Weed Management Branch

Weed Management Branch, Katherine Northern Territory Police Fire and Emergency Services, Bushfires NT and the Weed Management Branch are working together to reduce the intensity and severity of the looming fire season.

This week many residents in Darwin’s rural area will receive a mailed reminder to clear their fire breaks and access the Gamba Grass Assistance Program.

This is the sixth year the Northern Territory Government has provided season assistance for gamba grass management.

To help as many Darwin rural residents as possible access the Program before it closes, the Fred’s Pass Sport and Recreation Reserve distribution point will be open for additional hours from Thursday 21 April to Saturday 30 April.

Gamba Grass is a declared weed that must be managed on rural blocks in accordance with the Weeds Management Act.

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

Media contact – Jordan Raymond-Monro, 8999 4726