Parts of South Australia are bracing for an uptick in bushfire risk this spring, largely due to the rapid spread of buffel grass, one of Australia's most insidious and fire-prone weeds.

The situation is exacerbated by significant rainfall, which has contributed to the grass's explosive growth.

In response, authorities are initiating a parliamentary inquiry focused on how to manage buffel grass effectively. This inquiry coincides with the national bushfire outlook for spring from the Australian and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services, which warns of elevated fire risks in the region.

The Country Fire Service (CFS) has raised alarms over high fuel loads resulting from the buffel grass proliferation, labeling it a "particular concern" as temperatures rise.

CFS’s director of community risk management, Alison May, emphasized that while local vegetation is still growing, it will begin to dry out as it approaches spring, increasing the chance for wildfire. She explained, "Buffel grass … has been on the agenda amongst fire response agencies for quite some time now and continues to be … and we’ll be working together to see what the way forward is on that."

Inquiry underway

Originally brought to Australia from Africa and Asia in the 1800s to enhance grazing areas, buffel grass is now known for its ability to overwhelm native flora and amplify bushfire risks. There is ongoing scrutiny surrounding its management in South Australia.

MP Erin Thompson is steering a parliamentary inquiry aimed at addressing these challenges, marking a pivotal shift as South Australia becomes the first state to officially designate buffel grass a weed.

She added, "We’re keen to have a look at how it’s already being managed and for opportunities to improve that, so we can reduce the spread of buffel grass across South Australia."

Fire risk grows

Invasive Species Council advocate James Johnston stressed the urgent need to curtail the expansion of buffel grass< a class="Link_link__kR0xA Link_link__5eL5m ScreenReaderOnly_srLinkHint__OysWz Link_showVisited__C1Fea Link_showFocus__ALyv2" href="/news/2023-09-19/buffel-grass-fuelled-maui-fires-threat-to-australia/102870050" data-component="Link" data-uri="coremedia://article/102870050">further south. He pointed out that buffel grass ignites at a temperature vastly superior to that of local grasses, burning at around 300 degrees Celcius. This drastically increases wildfire risk in an already fire-prone area that must adapt.

Johnston summed it up well: "Earlier this year we had a shocker season, where it's gone to seed early because of the rainfall patterns that we've been receiving. We're now going into spring where there’s going to be a lot more growth of buffel grass, and the real risk is that, going into summer, bushfire risk will escalate."

Not everyone sees buffel grass as a threat, however.

Feed for livestock

For some, buffel grass presents a valuable resource. Livestock SA chair Gillian Fennell pointed out that the grass has served as a vital feed source for pastoralists in drought-prone regions. "It does provide significant environmental benefits in the sense that it does hold creek beds together, it does hold soil together in areas where there’s been erosion and degradation," she noted.

Fennell emphasized that buffel grass, flourishing after dry spells, can actually support native grasses by providing an alternative food source. "It is quite easy to control buffel grass with livestock. You just eat it," she stated. Although concerns remain about managing its spread as it moves into more fertile areas, she believes a sensible approach could yield benefits while minimizing adverse effects.

"I think anything to do with the buffel discussion needs to be approached with a bit of common sense," Ms. Fennell argued. "It does have its upsides, but it also has its downsides. There's definitely a way to balance it."