What is causing tumbleweeds to inundate homes in Melbourne's western suburbs?

Tumbleweeds are inundating homes in Melbourne's western suburbs due to overgrown private properties and wind dispersal of invasive 'hairy panic' grass.

How has the tumbleweed problem changed in the City of Melton?

The City of Melton has received 44 requests for tumbleweed cleanup this financial year, more than double the previous annual record.

What type of grass is causing the tumbleweed problem in Melbourne?

Experts believe the tumbleweed outbreak is caused by an invasive grass called Hillman's panic, a species of Panicum grass.

Home / Environment / Melbourne Homes Engulfed by Tumbleweed Invasion

Melbourne Homes Engulfed by Tumbleweed Invasion

28 Jan

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Summary

Western Melbourne suburbs face escalating tumbleweed inundation.
City of Melton received over double the usual tumbleweed cleanup requests.
Invasive 'hairy panic' grass poses fire hazard and toxic risk.

Melbourne Homes Engulfed by Tumbleweed Invasion

Tumbleweeds originating from overgrown private properties are increasingly causing issues for residents in Melbourne's outer west, forming a substantial fire hazard. The City of Melton has recorded 44 requests for tumbleweed cleanup in the current financial year, a figure more than double any previous year since data collection began four years ago. Suburbs such as Hillside, Aintree, Eynesbury, and Kurunjang have been warned of potential future events.

Residents describe the tumbleweeds as creating metres of tinder-dry fuel that accumulates against homes and fences. One resident expressed significant anxiety during hot weather due to the fire potential. This problem has notably worsened this summer for some, with invasions occurring on a scale not previously experienced. A past event in Hillside in December 2020 saw an estate buried under a large volume of this dry grass.