NSW Government looks for community feedback on new sport field synthetic turf guidelines

Synthetic surfaces are sometimes considered in place of natural grass to accommodate the different demands placed on open spaces. The NSW Government is currently looking for community feedback on its newly released draft guidelines for the use of synthetic turf on playing fields.

Once the guidelines are finalised, they will be accessible to all councils, sports clubs and local stakeholders to make informed decisions on the addition of synthetic turf in their local sporting hubs.

Following two investigations into the use and impacts of synthetic turf by the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer and NSW Government, The Department of Planning Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) worked with councils, key stakeholders and industry to develop the draft guidelines.

In October 2021, the NSW Government released the Synthetic Turf Study in Public Open Space report which highlighted the benefits and limitations of using synthetic surfaces in public open space.

After this report was published, the government asked the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer to provide advice on potential risks to the environment and human health from the use of synthetic turf in public open space in NSW, and to assess alternative approaches and technologies.

The initial report was released in February 2022 with the final report published on 9th June 2023. The reports can be downloaded from the Chief Scientist and Engineer website.

There has been much discussion about the use of synthetic turf in public spaces, and the NSW Government believes that the guidelines will be a valuable resource and tool. These guidelines provide strategies and case studies to assist planners and sports field managers in delivering the best outcomes for their communities.

The NSW Government wants to encourage people to use their local spaces, get involved in community sport and take their kids to the park.

The draft guidelines carefully consider opportunities where synthetic turf can be used on sporting surfaces, while balancing the needs and expectations of each local community.

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully notes "we're seeing a growing demand for sports fields and ovals in our communities, and we want to provide people with access to public spaces all year round in a range of climates.

"Given the conversations around potential impacts of synthetic turf, these guidelines provide councils, sports clubs and local decision-makers with research-backed information to make the best decisions for their communities.

"We're confident that these draft guidelines will give decision-makers the information necessary to ensure that their choices align with the values and aspirations of their local communities. This is all about embracing modern innovation methods in our public open spaces."

A 6-week public exhibition period will commence from now until Monday 29th April. Councils and the public can submit their feedback by visiting planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and- legislation/open-space/synthetic-turf-study.

Feedback will be reviewed and considered ahead of the guidelines' finalisation in 2024.

Image top: Chipping Norton, NSW. Credit: Liverpool City Council.
"Case Study South Park Oval: Several council-owned football pitches in Liverpool LGA are used by clubs exceeding 400 players every day. Council found at the start of 2021’s winter season that pitch surfaces were showing significant signs of wear, which was worsened following the flood events in March 2021- soil that had been added to the field to restore it had been washed away. To improve playing quality in time for the winter season, Liverpool City Council is trialling the installation of hybrid turf sections in the high use sections of the goal mouths of the fields (i.e. South Park Oval, in Chipping Norton).
"Council chose this option due to its relative cost effectiveness $14,000 to install, compared with the high cost associated with full synthetic installation, and the fast turnaround of installation – the hybrid turf patches were installed over 2 days, and the pitch was playable the following weekend. The response from the local soccer association has been positive because of the increased consistency in playing surface quality, and other local clubs are lobbying Council to introduce more hybrid options. Given the relative ease of provision and low costs, and the reduced environmental and social impacts, this strategy could be an option to meet demand while minimising associated impacts."

Image above: Central Park, Chippendale Credit: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
"Case Study Central Park, Chippendale: Since opening in 2012, Central Park become central to life for thousands of locals and visitors. From the everyday dog walk or yoga class, to hosting bi-monthly markets and numerous annual major events, Central Park has been embraced by the community at all levels. Central Park needed a turf upgrade due to wear and tear and to enhance user experience and faced a pivotal decision to choose between natural and synthetic turf. Considerations were made about the environmental impact, usability and maintenance and community preference. The end result was a hybrid approach, with natural turf in areas ensuring a connection to nature and synthetic turf in high traffic zones.  The hybrid approach balances the desire for a green, natural environment with the practical considerations for maintenance and usage. Central Park is an adaptable and reliable public open space that caters to community needs."