Latest news with #LindsayStrange
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Alert issued to residents and travellers after dangerous find on side of Aussie roads
Aussie residents in the west are being urged to keep an eye out for an invasive grass that can pose a serious risk after multiple sightings recently. Gamba grass looks harmless enough, but the weed outcompetes native grasses having a deleterious impact on the local environment's biodiversity and also increasing the fire risk of the area it colonises. Recent routine surveillance in the Kimberley region of Western Australia by the state's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) found several immature gamba grass plants along several roads, prompting authorities to urge residents, workers and travellers in the area to report any others they see. The tropical perennial grass species, which was brought to Australia in the 1940s as a way to help feed cattle, grows in dense and tall clumps. "It is has become a significant weed across northern Australia due to its ability to grow to over four metres high and form dense patches, which can burn at high intensity — posing a risk to flora and fauna, livestock and human life," DPIRD's regional biosecurity coordinator Lindsay Strange said. "While the recent detections have been removed, it's important for DPIRD to know of any new sightings of the weed so department officers can take action." 🏝️ Invasive grass taking over island sanctuary off Australia 🦌 Aussie town on high alert for invasive pest: 'Spilling over the border' 🪴 Warning after silent garden killer claims five lives The grass is native to Africa but was widely promoted to the pasture industry and planted in the 1980s. It has now become a huge pest in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. WA has been working to eradicate the weed, but says the help of the public is needed. While the species was listed as a weed of national significance in 2012, models estimate that it could potentially invade 380,000 square kilometres — bigger than the entire country of Japan. Speaking to Yahoo News, Dr Carol Booth from the Invasive Species Council raised the alarm over the threat posed by the grass at the start of summer last year. "At the moment gamba grass has invaded about four per cent of the area it could invade, so it's one of these grasses, where you look into the future and you just want to cry. It's just really concerning,' she said. "The fires that it fuels burn five to 20 times more intensely than native grasses do. That's the scary thing," she added. According to the DPIRD, the grass has strappy leaves that can grow up to 60 centimetres in length, with a distinctive white midrib, which are covered with soft hairs, while fluffy flower heads form on tall stems between April and June, depending on weather conditions. Gamba grass remains green long into the dry season, when most native grasses have hayed off. Gamba grass sightings can be easily reported via DPIRD's MyPestGuide Reporter app or to its Pest and Disease Information Service on (08) 9380 3080
West Australian
4 days ago
- General
- West Australian
Locals urged to report invasive grass putting native species under threat
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is urging Kununurra residents to be on the look out for gamba grass, a voracious weed which threatens native grass species and elevates fire risk. Recent routine surveillance by DPIRD detected several immature gamba grass plants, also known as andropogon gayanus, along several roads near Kununurra. Regional biosecurity co-ordinator Lindsay Strange called on the community to support DPIRD's efforts to eradicate the weed by reporting sightings of the weed tussocks. 'Gamba grass is a tropical perennial grass that was introduced into Australia in the 1940s as a feed crop for cattle,' he said. 'It has become a significant weed across northern Australia due to its ability to grow to over four metres high and form dense patches which can burn at high intensity, posing a risk to flora and fauna, livestock and human life. 'There are a number of options to remove gamba grass and DPIRD has been working across the Kimberley to eradicate the weed for many years. 'While the recent detections have been removed, it's important for DPIRD to know of any new sightings of the weed so department officers can take action.' Gamba grass grows to form tussocks that are bigger, taller and more dense than native grass species and has strappy leaves that can grow up to 60cm long, with a distinctive white midrib covered with soft hairs. It also features fluffy flower heads on tall stems between April and June, depending on weather conditions, and remains green long into the dry season, when most native grasses have hayed off. Gamba grass sightings can be reported via DPIRD's MyPestGuide Reporter app or to its Pest and Disease Information Service on 9380 3080 or padis@
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Aussies told to urgently check gardens for 'serious weed' on the move: 'Highly invasive'
Authorities are warning the public this week to be on the lookout for a notorious garden pest that "can grow anywhere" and, if it was to become established, could have serious impacts on horticulture. The invasive fringed spider flower is quite widespread in the Northern Territory, but Western Australian conservationists said it was recently detected in the state for the first time last year, prompting a renewed plea to the public. The species, originally from northern Africa, has light purple or pink flowers which are about a centimetre in size, with tightly packed leaves divided into three leaflets with "clearly defined veins". Its stems are covered with fine hairs which can cause irritation upon skin contact. WA's Department of Primary Industries and Region Development (DPIRD) said it must be removed if spotted, but discouraged residents from doing it themselves. Instead, residents should contact DPIRD. "This is the first time it has been detected in WA," a spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. "Fringed spider flower is an invasive pest, which can grow anywhere — posing a threat to agricultural crop production in the tropics." DPIRD warned Kimberley residents and visitors to the area in particular, encouraging them "to keep an eye out for this serious weed" — and to report observations. First detected in mid-2024 during a routine Northern Australia quarantine survey in the Kununurra area, the invasive weed was later found in Wyndham by DPIRD officers late last year. DPIRD is now conducting further surveillance to assess whether it has spread to other parts of the state. Regional biosecurity coordinator Lindsay Strange urged residents in Kununurra, Wyndham, Broome, and Halls Creek to assist with surveillance efforts by inspecting their gardens and potted plants for any signs of Fringed Spider Flower and reporting any suspected sightings. "If you suspect you have a Fringed Spider Flower in your garden, please do not attempt to remove it," Strange advised. "Instead, contact us, and an officer will safely remove and dispose of the plant to prevent it from spreading into landfill." He explained that the pest plant spreads via seeds, which can be carried through the movement of stockfeed, soil, potted plants, water, animals, vehicles, clothing and footwear. "If Fringed Spider Flower were to become established, it could pose a threat to horticulture crops due to its highly invasive nature," he said. Aussies warned over garden pest that can 'never be fully removed' Property owners warned over harmful weed 'having a bumper season' Gardeners warned over beautiful plant that is 'extremely toxic' to pets Anyone who suspects they have fringed spider flower in their garden is asked to report it to DPIRD through the MyPestGuide reporter app or via the Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
