Synthetic surfaces as an alternative to natural turf sports fields are being used more frequently to meet growing demand of sports participation in our public open spaces.
The NSW Government is providing more guidance on synthetic turf use of sports fields to support the best outcomes for communities are delivered.
Synthetic turf sports fields in public open space – Guideline for decision-makers
The Synthetic turf sports fields in public open space – Guideline for decision–makers (PDF, 27.9 MB) aids in planning, designing, delivering and managing sports fields and serves as a practical tool for stakeholders involved in synthetic turf projects.
The creation of this guideline has been informed by extensive consultation through the public exhibition process and with local councils, Government agencies and peak bodies. You can view the public exhibition information on the NSW Planning Portal.
Guidelines for Division 5.1 assessments – Addendum for synthetic sports fields
The Guidelines for Division 5.1 assessments – Addendum for synthetic sports fields (PDF, 11.8 MB) complements the guideline for decision–makers to support councils in ensuring appropriate environmental assessments are undertaken.
This addendum applies to the installation of synthetic turf for both new sports fields and upgrades to existing sports fields where it is proposed to be carried out as development without consent under a SEPP or LEP such as the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021.
Determining authorities (such as councils and other public authorities) must apply this addendum when preparing a review of environmental factors (REF) for this type of development. This addendum only applies to the use of synthetic turf for sports fields uses.
The Guidelines for Division 5.1 assessments – Addendum for synthetic sports fields, will come into effect from Monday, 25 August 2025. This will allow the Department to provide key decision–makers time to ensure they understand how to apply it to their work.
NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer investigation
In October 2021, we released the Synthetic Turf Study in Public Open Space report (PDF, 5.4 MB), which highlighted the benefits and limitations of using synthetic surfaces in public open space.
After we published this report, 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 9 June 2023. The reports can be downloaded from the Chief Scientist and Engineer.
The Government has responded to the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer's final report.
More information
For more information email [email protected]