Artificial turf ban: Council’s shock findings spark nationwide debate

Australia’s property market is facing a green revolution, but not the kind you might expect.

A growing backlash against synthetic grass is set to reshape our suburbs, and it could have a significant impact on your home’s appeal.

What was once touted as a low-maintenance landscaping solution is now being labelled a potential environmental hazard and a major turn-off for savvy buyers.

The Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) in New South Wales is at the forefront of this shift, proposing a ban on artificial turf in new builds and on nature strips.

It argues that the impact of artificial grass is both harmful to people and the environment, and is seeking community consultation ahead of the move.

Fake grass, according to the council, disintegrates into microplastics, which subsequently make their way into waterways – and can even potentially end up being inhaled by people.

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“Artificial grass may contain microplastics and PFAS. As street verges are adjacent to the stormwater drainage system, restricting artificial grass in these locations reduces the risk of these affecting environmental and human health,” a spokesperson told Yahoo News.

“This is a growing area of research, particularly in an Australian context. The NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer released a review of synthetic turf in October 2022, which focused on synthetic turf used in public spaces and sporting contexts.

“(It) noted that both rubber infill and turf fibre blades from synthetic turf fields have been found in waterways.

“The review also noted that turf fields can be built and managed in such a way to reduce this impact on stormwater systems or waterways.”

Under the council’s new proposal, fake grass would be barred from being installed on new houses in the future.

“The policy is currently on public exhibition until October 30 and has not yet been adopted,” the spokesperson added.

Call to stop ‘ghastly’ trend taking over Australia

Once seen only in some public play areas, fake grass has become a common sight across Aussie homes.

The benefits spruiked to potential customers include no need to mow, easy to clean, stays green all year, prevents weeds.

But it is what happens years down the track once the fake grass is ripped up and replaced that is attracting the ire of everyday Aussies, including Kellie Jackson who is calling for a bans after finding a whole pile of artificial turf dumped in a Victorian nature reserve.

“These pictures highlight the other side of fake grass and weedy plants,” she said in a post on Facebook.

“Once it’s time for a change they get illegally dumped in a nature reserve. Bring on bans.”

Other Aussies agreed, commenting on the post about how artificial turf is “ghastly” and hideous”.

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While Ms Jackson’s post highlighted the downside of artificial turf after its removal, experts say negative environmental impacts begin well before that process is even considered.

University of Melbourne’s Dr Paul Cheung researches urban heating and told Yahoo News fake grass was a massive contributor to the heating of our suburbs.

“If you compare artificial turf to natural turf, artificial turf will absorb a lot of sunlight, and it will heat your backyard or sports ovals,” he said.

“This heat impacts the health of the residents, too.

“If we are anticipating a warmer environment in the future, we have to think of every opportunity to make our environment cooler.”

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