What is the problem with Gamba Grass? (Part 1) ft. David Liddle

When Gamba Grass was first introduced into Australia, many had high hopes for its value as a livestock feed.

However, today it is a declared weed of national significance.

My name is Steph Coombes, and in this episode I sit down with David Liddle to discuss when, how and why Gamba Grass was introduced into Australia, and why it is now considered a highly invasive species which requires dedicated management and even eradication in some areas, to avoid the devastating impacts it can have on the environment.

David is an ecologist who has spent the past 40 years working in the Northern Territory, witnessing the process of landscape invasion by Gamba Grass. He unpacks for us many of the concepts and reasons which underpin the grass becoming problematic in the Top End.

This episode is Part 1 in a 4 part series. In parts 2 and 3 we will hear from various stakeholders trying to manage gamba grass in areas such as cattle stations, national parks and crown land, and in part 4 we’ll hear from a local contractor about what’s involved in the fight against gamba grass.

This episode is supported by the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.