Synthetic Turf in Public Open Space Guidelines
The Department has finalised the Synthetic Turf Sports Fields in Public Open Space Guideline for decision-makers.
The guideline aids in planning, designing, delivering and managing sports fields and serves as a practical tool for stakeholders involved in synthetic turf projects.
Resources and case studies found in the guideline provide further support and guidance.
The creation of this guideline has been informed by extensive consultation through the public exhibition process and with local councils, government agencies and peak sporting bodies. The draft Synthetic Turf in Public Open Space Guidelines for Decision-Makers was on exhibition from 17 March 2024 until 29 April 2024.
The department has also released a Guidelines for Division 5.1 Assessments Addendum for Synthetic Sports Fields, to ensure councils are equipped to undertake an environmental assessment of synthetic turf sports fields appropriately.
The Guidelines for Synthetic Sports Fields for Division 5.1 Assessments – Addendum for Synthetic Sports Fields will come into effect from 25 August 2025, providing key decision makers like councils time to ensure they understand how to apply it to their work. Any new proposals from this time on will need to consider environmental factors in the use of synthetic turf in public spaces.
This supplementary guideline and further information on how the Department has considered synthetic turf to meet open space demands is available on our planning website.