The NT Government has proposed building an army to fight a vicious invasive weed.

Originally introduced to the Northern Territory as a cattle feed, gamba grass has become a major fire risk and threat to biodiversity.

Millions of dollars have been spent in the last decade trying to control the spread of gamba grass, but to no avail.

The Government says creation of a ‘gamba army’ may help stimulate the economy and protect the Top End from the invasive weed.

It has issued a green paper, Operation Rebound, which suggests “mobilising a displaced workforce to protect key Territory assets … at risk from weed incursions, fire and feral animals”.

“This could include a 'gamba army' in the Greater Darwin Region to control gamba grass in land parcels of high value,” it said.

“This approach would reduce future weed and fire responses costs for Government and landowners, and protect high value assets including our parks and its infrastructure, enhancing their future value for recreation and tourism.”

Environmental groups, tourism operators, and even the organisation representing NT hunters say they support the idea.

“If done right it has the potential to turn the tide against gamba grass and we look forward to seeing how this could be turned into a reality,” says Mitch Hart from Pew Charitable Trusts, who heads up the Gamba Grass Roots Alliance.

“The community has been calling out for more to be done and it's really good that government sees that tackling gamba grass ticks boxes from an economic point of view as well.

“This is important work that can protect tourism in the Top End and reduce severe fires.

“We could get the Territory back to work, while tackling one of its biggest threats — it's a win-win if this is done right.”

The NT's new Economic Reconstruction Commission is assessing the proposal along with many others outlined in Operation Rebound, with a final recommendation due in November.