Plastic fields are replacing natural grass across NSW. It's less safe for athletes, polluting our waterways, and costing ratepayers millions. A Department of Education survey of 1600 of the public schools in NSW found 58% had synthetic turf. Here's why this has to stop.

It's dangerously hot

Synthetic turf can reach over 100°C on a hot day, which is up to 38°C hotter than natural grass. Kids are at risk of burns and heat stress, and matches are more likely to be cancelled on hot days. Despite this, entire football fields keep being installed without any shade, against expert guidelines. 

It's polluting our environment

Artificial grass is non-absorbent. It can't support soil, and it spreads rubber, plastic fragments, and microplastics into our waterways every time it rains. NSW's 200 synthetic fields are a chronic pollution source, with plastic blades found along our beaches.  

It's damaging our health

A 2023 NSW government report highlighted concerns about toxic chemicals, harmful pathogens, and microplastics. A separate study by CSIRO and UNSW found the plastic turf can contain cancer-causing chemicals that are absorbed into the body simply through contact, breathing, or accidental ingestion. 

It's expensive

The "cost-effective" pitch doesn't hold up. Ku-ring-gai Council budgeted $3.3M for one field which ballooned to $20.2m. At Chatswood High School, the turf deteriorated after just one year, scattering plastic fragments across nearby streets. 

Isn’t it necessary?

Best-practice natural turf can handle the same level of use as artificial turf. Too often public sports fields are done on the cheap, creating waterlogs in winter and dead grass in summer. The solution isn’t plastic grass, it’s well-designed and properly-irrigated natural grass. Councils and clubs need state government funding and support. It’s a long-term investment in our environment and health.

What we’re demanding

• A state government grant program to support councils and clubs to upgrade natural grass to best-practice design, maintenance and irrigation standards.

• Ban new installations of synthetic grass on public land, including schools

• Existing synthetic fields in bushfire zones and on flood-prone land should be urgently replaced with natural grass to reduce fire and water pollution risks.

• Require shade on synthetic fields that are not yet at the end of their useful life to reduce heat risk

Add your name to our petition asking the NSW Government to keep it real — no synthetic turf.