“Listing would trigger the requirement for a Threat Abatement Plan which would in turn potentially see Commonwealth action to assist the Territory to control this major menace.

“Gamba has already taken over large areas of the Darwin rural area but has the potential to invade all of the Top End (north of Daly Waters) with devastating consequences for our wildlife, our bushland, wetlands and river systems, and for a range of industries and activities that rely on a healthy environment including tourism, pastoralism and recreational fishing.

“Scientific research is showing that as Gamba invades the natural environment the intensity of wild fires increases dramatically, and over time native species and whole ecosystems will be eradicated.

“Gamba also has the potentially to seriously degrade rivers and streams, reducing stream flows and altering hydrological systems. This in turn has implications for native fish breeding and habitat.

“It is not yet too late to turn around the Gamba threat, but further delays in concerted action - such as the delays we have witnessed over the past few years - will be a disaster for the environment and our Top End lifestyle and economy.”

For a copy of ECNT's nomination click here (PDF 88kb)
or contact:
Peter Robertson on (08) 8981 1984 Email: ecnt@octa4.net.au