Push to convert more natural turf fields across Parramatta Council to synthetic surfaces

A plea has been made to convert more grass fields to synthetic surfaces in western Sydney where leaders are ‘getting smashed’ by sports groups frustrated rain has forced the closure of natural turf grounds.

Rydalmere Park is one of two synthetic turf pitches in Parramatta Council. Picture: David Swift

A pitch has been made to convert more grass fields to synthetic surfaces in the Parramatta area in an effort to meet population growth and avoid cancelling matches because of rain-soaked grounds.

Independent councillor Georgina Valjak has called for Parramatta Council to convert turf fields to fake surfaces because they could withstand potentially up to 80 hours a week without the need to shut after rain.

The council requires eight extra sports fields to meet current demand and by 2041, 51 additional sports fields would be needed to support a forecast population of 488,000.

Cr Valjak said it was unrealistic to provide that number of turf fields in 17 years and so the council must use the existing fields by converting to synthetic, which were more durable.

“Whilst natural turf has many benefits, no matter what people may say the proven fact is that the best we can get is 25 hours per week usage,’’ she said.

“On some fields we may achieve 30 hours but that may be high in maintenance costs. But that’s not comparable to the minimum of 60 hours a week that synthetic turf can provide and potentially up to 70 or 80 hours.

“The additional hours available from synthetic fields will encourage an expansion of female competition across all sports codes, it will help meet the demand for a growing population and provide a safer playing surface.’’

Georgina Valjak.

The plea comes after rain forced the closure of grounds, prompting frustrated parents such as those from North Rocks Soccer Club to contact Cr Valjak.

“ … I can tell you right now in North Rocks I am getting smashed by the community because the kids can’t play on these fields,’’ she said.

“Parents work extremely hard to pay for registration, boots, jerseys and give up their weekends to support their children.

“Synthetic fields will provide a return on investment in this area.’’

However,Parramatta District Cricket Club’s Prabir Maitra objected to the conversion and said synthetic fields were unsuitable for the sport especially because their surfaces could reach high temperatures.

“Western Sydney typically has more than 50 days per year when temperatures exceed 30 degrees,’’ he said.

“Therefore converting natural turf to synthetic turf would result in either mass cancellation of cricket, unsafe playing conditions or wholesale changes to how the game is managed.

“Synthetic fields are only suitable for winter sport and are not suitable for cricket.’’

Critics say cricket should not be played on synthetic turf. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

Labor’s Cameron Maclean labelled the pitch for synthetic surfaces as an infomercial while Greens councillor Phil Bradley raised environmental concerns with maintaining the pitches.

Critics have hit out at fake grass for being hotter, potentially flammable, bad for the environment because they shed microplastics and could cost millions.

Cr Valjak said significant progress had been made on using more environmentally friendly material such as organic infill and recycled underlay to allay concerns over water run-off.

The council has synthetic fields at Rydalmere Park and West Epping Park. It will now investigate opportunities to transform existing natural turf spots across the area into synthetic surfaces. An environmental impact assessment also needs to be undertaken.

At Cumberland Council, which has 200 sports fields and courts, Merrylands Park and Progress Park at South Granville have scored synthetic surfaces.

“I fully understand and acknowledge the potential challenges and environmental impacts associated with synthetic fields,’’ Deputy Mayor Ola Hamed said during the July 17 meeting.

“However, it’s important to recognise the long history of artificial turf, dating back to the 1960s, and the significant technological advancements that have been made in this area.’’