Buffel Grass - Stop the Invasion

Recent signers:
Belinda Petersen and 9 others have signed recently.

The issue

Buffel grass invasion is collapsing country and culture across arid and semi-arid regions of Australia.  

The federal government is not doing what it can to abate this threat.

Sign this petition to call on federal ministers to act.

 

 

 

 

BACKGROUND

Where is buffel grass from?

Buffel grass is native to parts of Africa and Asia.

Why is buffel grass planted in Australia?

Buffel grass is planted to support colonisation and the cattle industry.

What is the problem?

Buffel grass is:

  • Extremely invasive
  • Causes catastrophic biodiversity loss and ecosystem destruction
  • Fuels frequent, intense, widespread fires
  • Has disastrous impacts on culture and health 

ACTION REQUESTS

1. Ensure the environment and First Nations peoples are strongly represented at all levels of biosecurity (weeds) governance 

Current governance is dominated by industry

2. Ban buffel grass cultivation in Australia

Including a ban on the sale and distribution of buffel grass seed

3. Implement the federal buffel grass threat abatement actions issued under the Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act

4. Re-list buffel grass invasion as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act and make a threat abatement plan 

5. List buffel grass as a Weed of National Significance

6. Prioritise buffel grass in the National Biocontrol Pipeline 

There are a number of organisms in Australia that kill buffel grass, including pasture mealy bug and buffel grass blight, these should be researched as a potential management tools.  

 

 

 

 

To learn more about buffel grass invasion and the evidence that underpins this campaign 

NB: Letters for the Environment Central Australia campaigns are carefully researched.  LECA respects traditional First Nations knowledge and rigorous science.  We do not use AI to research, write or edit our content. We are an independent 'grass roots' community group - we are not affiliated with any organisation, nor do we receive funding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,290

Recent signers:
Belinda Petersen and 9 others have signed recently.

The issue

Buffel grass invasion is collapsing country and culture across arid and semi-arid regions of Australia.  

The federal government is not doing what it can to abate this threat.

Sign this petition to call on federal ministers to act.

 

 

 

 

BACKGROUND

Where is buffel grass from?

Buffel grass is native to parts of Africa and Asia.

Why is buffel grass planted in Australia?

Buffel grass is planted to support colonisation and the cattle industry.

What is the problem?

Buffel grass is:

  • Extremely invasive
  • Causes catastrophic biodiversity loss and ecosystem destruction
  • Fuels frequent, intense, widespread fires
  • Has disastrous impacts on culture and health 

ACTION REQUESTS

1. Ensure the environment and First Nations peoples are strongly represented at all levels of biosecurity (weeds) governance 

Current governance is dominated by industry

2. Ban buffel grass cultivation in Australia

Including a ban on the sale and distribution of buffel grass seed

3. Implement the federal buffel grass threat abatement actions issued under the Federal Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act

4. Re-list buffel grass invasion as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act and make a threat abatement plan 

5. List buffel grass as a Weed of National Significance

6. Prioritise buffel grass in the National Biocontrol Pipeline 

There are a number of organisms in Australia that kill buffel grass, including pasture mealy bug and buffel grass blight, these should be researched as a potential management tools.  

 

 

 

 

To learn more about buffel grass invasion and the evidence that underpins this campaign 

NB: Letters for the Environment Central Australia campaigns are carefully researched.  LECA respects traditional First Nations knowledge and rigorous science.  We do not use AI to research, write or edit our content. We are an independent 'grass roots' community group - we are not affiliated with any organisation, nor do we receive funding.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Support now

1,290


The Decision Makers

Mark Butler
Minister for Health and Aged Care
Anthony Albanese
Prime Minister of Australia
Julie Collins
Julie Collins
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Murray Watt
Murray Watt
Minister for the Environment and Water of Australia
Malarndirri McCarthy
Malarndirri McCarthy
Australian Minister for Indigenous Australia

Supporter voices

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Petition created on 1 December 2025