By Amanda Wright
Calls to list a productive agricultural plant as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS) are "misinformed" and risk undermining a crucial feed source for Australia’s livestock industry, the National Farmers’ Federation has warned.
NFF Sustainable Development and Climate Change Committee Chair, Mr Angus Atkinson, said buffel grass was a key asset for grazing operations—carefully managed by producers for its resilience and value in supporting livestock.
“It is a high-yielding plant renowned for its resilience in arid regions," he said.
"It also provides significant environmental co-benefits, including land rehabilitation and erosion mitigation which is conveniently ignored by environmental groups."
Mr Atkinson said its members would much rather see it listed as a Feed of National Significance.
“WoNS status should only be reserved for where there is consensus for listing, national coordination or assistance for eradication. There is no consensus on buffel grass, farmers do not support this," he added.
“Farmers want to have a process for contentious plants, this needs to be different to a WoNS process which inadequately acknowledges the economic value of plants like buffel.”
Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has also voiced strong opposition to the proposed listing of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) as a Weed of National Significance (WoNS), highlighting its vital role in Australia's beef industry, urging the government to abandon the proposed listing.
"Buffel grass wasn't brought here by accident – it was introduced because it's one of the best options we've got. It holds the soil together and keeps the cattle fed even during drought," Mr Katter explained.
Mr Katter stressed that a WoNS listing could impose legislative restrictions, mandate removal efforts, and initiate biological control research aimed at eradication. Such measures threaten one of Australia's most vital pasture species, which underpins the livelihoods of countless Aussie farmers and sustains production of beef that is essential for domestic and international food security.
"Buffel grass is essential to the northern cattle industry, and to label it as a weed would be counter-intuitive, turning all of the North into a weed-infested dust bowl," Mr Katter emphasised.
"Talk to any northern cattle farmer and they will tell you it is not just good cattle fed, buffel grass protects soil, cools the ground, sequesters carbon, and supports native fauna. Its deep-rooted resilience has dramatically improved rainwater efficiency and environmental sustainability across Australia.
"Buffel grass is not some noxious weed—it's an improved pasture grass. It holds the soil together, soaks up the rain, and has improved sustainability while reducing erosion," Mr Katter said.
"Meanwhile, terrible invasive species like lantana, prickly acacia, rubber vine, and feral cats and pigs, should be demanding our attention. Why on earth are we wasting our time even talking about this?"
AgForce Queensland Cattle President Lloyd Hick said, "This is not an isolated issue. It is part of a broader pattern of decisions being made without industry input, with disastrous consequences for agriculture and Australia.
"If the beef sector does not push back hard on this, it will be taken as a win and another critical pillar targeted next.
"Producers are increasingly frustrated as time and energy that should go into food production is spent pushing back against agenda-driven ideas and re-educating city-based decision makers who think they understand the land—but don't."
Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, Senator Susan McDonald also agreed, saying “Declaring buffel grass a weed would be catastrophic to graziers across Australia who rely on it for crucial fodder to keep their operations going.
“It also reduces erosion and dust storms.
“There is no justification for this move and I encourage everyone affected to make their thoughts known to the Federal Agriculture Minister, as I will be.”
MP Bob Katter stands among cattle and buffel grass in North Queensland, backing farmers in the fight to protect the vital feed source from being listed as a Weed of National Significance. Photo supplied: Office of Hon Bob Katter MP
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