CLP driving Gamba Grass eradication in Litchfield

25 July 2025

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering strong results in the fight against gamba grass in  Litchfield National Park, with new technology, stronger partnerships, and targeted ground-control efforts already paying off.

Minister for Parks and Wildlife and Tourism and Hospitality Marie-Clare Boothby said the 2024-25 control season has delivered early signs that the government’s investment and integrated approach is working.

“Gamba grass is one of the biggest threats to our national parks – fuelling dangerous fires, destroying precious habitat, and putting visitor safety at risk. Every year, our firefighters and Bushfires NT crews are on the frontline battling blazes driven by this invasive weed, which is why controlling it is critical,” said Ms Boothby.

“That’s why our government committed $250,000 to accelerate on-ground gamba control at Litchfield to protect one of the Territory’s most iconic and loved destinations. Early results show almost a 90% reduction in the gamba footprint across Tabletop Range compared to last year.”

Key 2025 outcomes and next steps include:

• Almost 90% reduction in gamba across Tabletop Range thanks to intensified aerial and ground spraying during the 2024-25 control season.
• Dedicated contractor crews, including Acacia Land Management and Aerial Services, working alongside Parks and Wildlife rangers and the Gamba Army in key treatment zones.
• Recruitment for a new six-month Gamba Coordinator starting late July, ready for the peak treatment season in December-March.
• Cutting-edge technology, including a Charles Darwin University (CDU)-designed mobile app and new data loggers, streamlining monitoring, improving ranger efficiency, and guiding long-term strategies.
• Visitor awareness campaign rolling out from August-September to educate park users on treatment zones and the importance of eradication.
• Development of a Gamba Litchfield Neighbours Project to boost collaboration between landholders, Bushfires NT, Coomalie Council and others.
• Scientific expertise from Dr Vanessa Rossiter-Rachor and CDU/National Environmental Science Program (NESP) driving adaptive management and eradication priorities.

“Our targeted, evidence-led approach is delivering results, and were not slowing down. In our year of action, certainty and security, we’re restoring our unique Territory lifestyle and protecting what makes the NT so special,” said Ms Boothby.

“From gamba control in Litchfield to our historic Silkwood acquisition - the largest land acquisition in a generation - the CLP Government is taking real action to preserve our natural heritage.”

Senior Lecturer Environmental Science, Charles Darwin University Dr Natalie Rossiter-Rachor said: “The collaboration between the NESP Resilient Landscapes Hub and the NTG has enabled more strategic management of gamba grass on Tabletop Range in Litchfield.

“Using the new NESP aerial weed mapping app has allowed rangers to annually repeat the systematic helicopter surveys to prioritise their weed control and monitor weed control effectiveness.”

Media contact – Ebony Raymond: 0476 938 478