What is the “Have Your Say” Buffel Grass Campaign about?

July 11, 2025

In the May Range Management Newsletter, the Australian Rangeland Society Council invited your views on the future of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) management across both pastoral and non-pastoral landscapes. 

The proposed listing of buffel grass as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) has recently gained widespread attention in the media. While there has been considerable support for the nomination, there has also been strong opposition.

There is no doubt that the buffel grass nomination is a complex issue.  While buffel is valued for its drought, fire, and grazing resilience — key traits for pasture — these same characteristics have made it a serious ecological threat in many parts of Australia. Some view the WoNS nomination as a necessary step in supporting attempts to address the impacts of buffel grass, while others argue for alternative approaches that recognise the plant’s dual role, don’t lead to unintended consequences, and ensure the concerns of both pastoral and non-pastoral stakeholders are heard.

This Special Issue of the newsletter includes the submissions that have been received to date.  Please note that the submission process is still open – feel free to comment (politely and constructively) on the current submissions or send in your opinion piece.  New submissions will be added as they are received.

To submit an opinion piece or to discuss your ideas, please contact:

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