Synthetic Turf Study

The NSW Government is prioritising participation in active and passive recreation to help support the health and wellbeing of individuals, social cohesion in communities, as well as boost the state’s productivity and the economy.

To help address the growing demand for multi-use recreation open spaces, there has been an increased adoption of alternative surface fields, such as synthetic and hybrid surfaces, in communities across New South Wales. 

The Department of Planning, Industry, and Environment has commissioned Ethos Urban to undertake a study into the use of synthetic alternatives to natural turf in public open spaces. 

This study has been requested by Minister Stokes who recognises the need for greater understanding of the social, environmental, and economic impacts, benefits and limitations of using synthetic turf as a replacement for natural grass across NSW.

The outcomes of this study will be made publicly available mid - 2021 via a final report. 

Consultation Program

The Department recognises that consultation with stakeholders such as State Agencies, Councils, peak sporting bodies, local communities, and subject matter experts is essential to ensure this study is considerate of those involved in the decision-making process in the application of synthetic surfaces.

Throughout May 2021, the Department will be holding a series of in-person and online workshops, including two community workshops on the following dates:

• Tuesday 25th May from 6:00pm – 8:00pm (online)
• Thursday 27th May from 6:00pm – 8:00pm (in-person)

Attendance applications close by 5pm 21 May 2021.
 

These workshops will help understand the experiences of different stakeholder groups. Therefore, to help maximise workshop participation and in accordance with COVID Safe guidelines, meeting attendance will be limited. 

If you would like to participate in one of the above workshops, please send through an Expression of Interest to the Open Space team with the following information: .

• Name, Organisation (as appropriate)
• Local government area
• Interest in this topic
  

If you are unable to attend the above workshops but would like to share your feedback on this topic, please provide your comments  in the following form (comments to be maximum of 500 words):

The comment form will be open until Friday, 4 June 2021.

Acknowledgement

Image credit: Leah-Kelley