In some other news this week, we know that a new conservation strategy has been developed to combat gamber grass at Lichfield National Park. As we know, the park attracts more than two hundred and fifty thousand visitors every year. The strategy includes targeted eradication and prevention efforts, including setting up a dedicated team who are going to focus on surveying, spraying and monitoring those control measures. It's all in response to a petition with more than one thousand signatures urging the Northern Territory Government to save Litchfield National Park from a gamba catastrophe. Joining me on the line right now is one of the stakeholders involved in that petition, Gamber grass Roots spokesperson Eliza Tobin. Good morning Eliza, Hi Katie. Lovely to have you on the show. Lovely to hear those chooks in the background too.

In some other news this week, we know that a new conservation strategy has been developed to combat gamber grass at Lichfield National Park. As we know, the park attracts more than two hundred and fifty thousand visitors every year. The strategy includes targeted eradication and prevention efforts, including setting up a dedicated team who are going to focus on surveying, spraying and monitoring those control measures. It's all in response to a petition with more than one thousand signatures urging the Northern Territory Government to save Litchfield National Park from a gamba catastrophe. Joining me on the line right now is one of the stakeholders involved in that petition, Gamber grass Roots spokesperson Eliza Tobin. Good morning Eliza, Hi Katie. Lovely to have you on the show. Lovely to hear those chooks in the background too.

I hope he doesn't start growing.

I hope he doesn't start growing.

No, we don't mind at all. We like that now. Tell me, for anyone not familiar with gamber grass, how concerning is that.

No, we don't mind at all. We like that now. Tell me, for anyone not familiar with gamber grass, how concerning is that.

It's a huge issue right across the NT. It's in Queensland, it has been in Wa, so it's a huge area, not just in national parks. But around the rural area as well. You'll see it everywhere at this time of year.

It's a huge issue right across the NT. It's in Queensland, it has been in Wa, so it's a huge area, not just in national parks. But around the rural area as well. You'll see it everywhere at this time of year.

And it's something I feel as though, and correct me if I'm wrong, Eliza, but I feel as though it's it's you know, it's become more prevalent in recent years.

And it's something I feel as though, and correct me if I'm wrong, Eliza, but I feel as though it's it's you know, it's become more prevalent in recent years.

It has, it's increased just out of control. There's been a lot of surveys done between twenty fourteen and twenty twenty one and what they found, Gambers increased by nine to a half thousand hectares in seven years. It now covers nearly thirty thousand hectares, so it's a huge area and all these delays taking place, it doubles the cost of the management of it. And the prediction is forty two thousand hectares will be under Gamba in ten years times from twenty twenty one.

It has, it's increased just out of control. There's been a lot of surveys done between twenty fourteen and twenty twenty one and what they found, Gambers increased by nine to a half thousand hectares in seven years. It now covers nearly thirty thousand hectares, so it's a huge area and all these delays taking place, it doubles the cost of the management of it. And the prediction is forty two thousand hectares will be under Gamba in ten years times from twenty twenty one.

I mean, it is a real concern. And then when you look at you know, at the like the way in which it's spreading into and throughout a beautiful park like Litchfield, what needs to happen there, and just how widespread is that.

I mean, it is a real concern. And then when you look at you know, at the like the way in which it's spreading into and throughout a beautiful park like Litchfield, what needs to happen there, and just how widespread is that.

It is everywhere? Basically it's in the city, I say, around Darwin City, all at Dwan to Litchfield, Bachelor and beyond. It's everywhere, and there has been really good research, in depth, comprehensive reports done by scientists. Main one I've been referring to is the Cost of not Acting, Cost of doing nothing, and that was released back in twenty twenty three, partly sponsored by the Anti government, and they've set out what would be needed to actually eradicate the gambi grass in Lytchfield National Park, which means expanding the eradication zones and spending a lot more money. What they recommended will take is one point three million dollars per year wow, for over up to five years to effectively control it. So what we've got at the moment from this government is a fraction of what's actually to do something to realistically control it.

It is everywhere? Basically it's in the city, I say, around Darwin City, all at Dwan to Litchfield, Bachelor and beyond. It's everywhere, and there has been really good research, in depth, comprehensive reports done by scientists. Main one I've been referring to is the Cost of not Acting, Cost of doing nothing, and that was released back in twenty twenty three, partly sponsored by the Anti government, and they've set out what would be needed to actually eradicate the gambi grass in Lytchfield National Park, which means expanding the eradication zones and spending a lot more money. What they recommended will take is one point three million dollars per year wow, for over up to five years to effectively control it. So what we've got at the moment from this government is a fraction of what's actually to do something to realistically control it.

Yeah, right, so that was going to be my next question. I mean, this this strategy that they have announced. They've said that it's targeting or it includes targeting eradication and prevention efforts, but the reality of it is, you reckon, we need more, oh.

Yeah, right, so that was going to be my next question. I mean, this this strategy that they have announced. They've said that it's targeting or it includes targeting eradication and prevention efforts, but the reality of it is, you reckon, we need more, oh.

So much more. They have introduced a new controller and a crew of four people which will be a help, and ongoing surveillance and mapping of gamba areas, but Yeah, two hundred fifty thousand was already granted from the previous government, so ongoing maintenance of gamber grass in the park. So what's just been announced This is a little bit confusing. I think they've just restated what will be ongoing funding, which is absolute base rate, just maintenance, just keeping on top of it, whereas we actually need one point three million a year.

So much more. They have introduced a new controller and a crew of four people which will be a help, and ongoing surveillance and mapping of gamba areas, but Yeah, two hundred fifty thousand was already granted from the previous government, so ongoing maintenance of gamber grass in the park. So what's just been announced This is a little bit confusing. I think they've just restated what will be ongoing funding, which is absolute base rate, just maintenance, just keeping on top of it, whereas we actually need one point three million a year.

One point three million a year, And what would that sort of cover If you know, if we were able to have that one point three million a year, you reckon that would give us a real opportunity to get on top of the gamber.

One point three million a year, And what would that sort of cover If you know, if we were able to have that one point three million a year, you reckon that would give us a real opportunity to get on top of the gamber.

Yes, it would absolutely because the gamber grass they're only good for up to two to three years, so there's a timeframe and window we could focus on. Next three years from starting today would be good, yep. And within that three years we'd start to see the problem decrease and then the ongoing maintenance in class would be down to around one hundred thousand dollars a year just to put out any little spots coming back. It's that sort of thing.

Yes, it would absolutely because the gamber grass they're only good for up to two to three years, so there's a timeframe and window we could focus on. Next three years from starting today would be good, yep. And within that three years we'd start to see the problem decrease and then the ongoing maintenance in class would be down to around one hundred thousand dollars a year just to put out any little spots coming back. It's that sort of thing.

And so Eliza, I know that you started a petition calling for more action to tackle gamba. Did you meet with the Minister about your concerns.

And so Eliza, I know that you started a petition calling for more action to tackle gamba. Did you meet with the Minister about your concerns.

Yes, Gander Grassroots met with Minister Boothby a few weeks ago now, and the petition was put together by the Save Litchfield National Park Group, which we're part of obviously and interested in, and that was signed by thirty one businesses in the organization, fifty scientists all supporting what we're asking for in that open letter.

Yes, Gander Grassroots met with Minister Boothby a few weeks ago now, and the petition was put together by the Save Litchfield National Park Group, which we're part of obviously and interested in, and that was signed by thirty one businesses in the organization, fifty scientists all supporting what we're asking for in that open letter.

And so where to from here? What do you reckon needs to happen next? Because obviously they've put out this conservation strategy. From what you're telling me, you know it needs to go further. I mean, even as you and I are talking, I'm getting messages not just about Gamba, but even about things like Mimosa in Yellow Waters in Kakadoo. You know, it's obviously a concern because these are beautiful areas that you know that people want to come and visit, but also just right across the territory, and I mean even when you look at Gamble like and then the fire, the fire concerns too.

And so where to from here? What do you reckon needs to happen next? Because obviously they've put out this conservation strategy. From what you're telling me, you know it needs to go further. I mean, even as you and I are talking, I'm getting messages not just about Gamba, but even about things like Mimosa in Yellow Waters in Kakadoo. You know, it's obviously a concern because these are beautiful areas that you know that people want to come and visit, but also just right across the territory, and I mean even when you look at Gamble like and then the fire, the fire concerns too.

So what needs to be done is basically they need to spend a lot more money, get more boots on the ground, get more machinery and aerial surveys and forward planning now so that we can get on top of this within a few years. And what you said about fire is so true, because it burns the canopy of the trees and everything in it, and then it will still come back again next year. It's not followed up correctly. And I've seen people fleeing the fires in which field, packing up camp and just going. They never want to go back there again. They're terrified of them.

So what needs to be done is basically they need to spend a lot more money, get more boots on the ground, get more machinery and aerial surveys and forward planning now so that we can get on top of this within a few years. And what you said about fire is so true, because it burns the canopy of the trees and everything in it, and then it will still come back again next year. It's not followed up correctly. And I've seen people fleeing the fires in which field, packing up camp and just going. They never want to go back there again. They're terrified of them.

Yeah, oh, you absolutely would be, particularly if you're a tourist. I mean, whether you're a territory and or a tourist, it to be frightening no matter what. So I mean, Eliza, from your perspective, how imperative is it. That's some additional You know that there is some additional work and additional funding here.

Yeah, oh, you absolutely would be, particularly if you're a tourist. I mean, whether you're a territory and or a tourist, it to be frightening no matter what. So I mean, Eliza, from your perspective, how imperative is it. That's some additional You know that there is some additional work and additional funding here.

Well, if we're going to get on top of it and not cause this massive future ecosystem collapse, then it should have started a few years ago. It was the clear a wed of significance in twenty twelve. A lot of research has been done since then, in the last decade more, and there's a lot of information online. It's all information. The research and studies has been done. It's matter of the government actually looking at it and then responding to it, I mean, good results hopefully.

Well, if we're going to get on top of it and not cause this massive future ecosystem collapse, then it should have started a few years ago. It was the clear a wed of significance in twenty twelve. A lot of research has been done since then, in the last decade more, and there's a lot of information online. It's all information. The research and studies has been done. It's matter of the government actually looking at it and then responding to it, I mean, good results hopefully.

Yeah. Well, and I know at this point in time, a lot of the discussions happening around the place, not just on Gamba but on everything is you know that we're so badly in debt, the government so badly in debt that they're you know that they're sort of trying to focus their money on what's most important. From your perspective at this point in time, that money and that funding though for Gamba is really important because it's you know, it's it's going to be damaging in all sorts of ways if we don't get on top of it.

Yeah. Well, and I know at this point in time, a lot of the discussions happening around the place, not just on Gamba but on everything is you know that we're so badly in debt, the government so badly in debt that they're you know that they're sort of trying to focus their money on what's most important. From your perspective at this point in time, that money and that funding though for Gamba is really important because it's you know, it's it's going to be damaging in all sorts of ways if we don't get on top of it.

Yeah, and it's putting our best national park at risk from just future devastation. And in the meanwhile, the government's previous antique governments have seen that to spend twenty million dollars on infrastructure within the park, car parks, roads, toilets, futilities, that sort of thing. So that had gone towards Gamba in the first place, we wouldn't be talking about it now.

Yeah, and it's putting our best national park at risk from just future devastation. And in the meanwhile, the government's previous antique governments have seen that to spend twenty million dollars on infrastructure within the park, car parks, roads, toilets, futilities, that sort of thing. So that had gone towards Gamba in the first place, we wouldn't be talking about it now.

A bit of prioritization.

A bit of prioritization.

To save the environment first and then maybe think about the infrastructure better way to go about it. So what we need to do in the future. Also is we need to do more lobbying, and Gamba Grassroots is desperate for more people and support and help. Just in running our group and beefing up the numbers of it would be great. And we're online. We're on Facebook and we're running an open day Februy twenty two at Livington Reserve. People want to come out, find out more, meet us, join us.

To save the environment first and then maybe think about the infrastructure better way to go about it. So what we need to do in the future. Also is we need to do more lobbying, and Gamba Grassroots is desperate for more people and support and help. Just in running our group and beefing up the numbers of it would be great. And we're online. We're on Facebook and we're running an open day Februy twenty two at Livington Reserve. People want to come out, find out more, meet us, join us.

We really need to help analyza what kind of stuff you know, for those out there listening who may be thinking, oh yeah, I might like to get involved, what kind of stuff would they be involved in? What would they be doing so.

We really need to help analyza what kind of stuff you know, for those out there listening who may be thinking, oh yeah, I might like to get involved, what kind of stuff would they be involved in? What would they be doing so.

Gamber grass Roots we have monthly meetings where we plan activities and lobbing and that sort of thing. They're usually online. Our main purpose is to encourage community education, eficity and coordination of gamba graphs removal. We want to raise awareness of the problem and the fire threats to times and properties because not everybody knows what exactly what gamba is. So just by raising its profile we do market stalls and our community open days I've just mentioned that sort of thing, and meeting with ministers whenever we can, well, good on you guys.

Gamber grass Roots we have monthly meetings where we plan activities and lobbing and that sort of thing. They're usually online. Our main purpose is to encourage community education, eficity and coordination of gamba graphs removal. We want to raise awareness of the problem and the fire threats to times and properties because not everybody knows what exactly what gamba is. So just by raising its profile we do market stalls and our community open days I've just mentioned that sort of thing, and meeting with ministers whenever we can, well, good on you guys.

I think it's really important and you know, as we've been discussing, we know the threat that Gamba has here in the Northern Territory, and yeah, I think that's it's important work. So I really appreciate you having a chat with us this morning and just giving us a bit more insight as well into the situation and what needs to happen.

I think it's really important and you know, as we've been discussing, we know the threat that Gamba has here in the Northern Territory, and yeah, I think that's it's important work. So I really appreciate you having a chat with us this morning and just giving us a bit more insight as well into the situation and what needs to happen.

Thanks very much for your time, Katie Pray, thank you, Thanks so much.

Thanks very much for your time, Katie Pray, thank you, Thanks so much.

And the trucks behaved themselves. By the sounds of it, there really amazing good stuff. Good on you. Thanks so much. Talk so

And the trucks behaved themselves. By the sounds of it, there really amazing good stuff. Good on you. Thanks so much. Talk so