Developed by the South Australian Local Government Recreation and Sport Network, the guidelines have been developed to help councils and stakeholders make informed decisions about synthetic sports surfaces, providing a practical framework that balances community needs, environmental impacts, performance and long-term costs.

Disclaimer: These resources have been developed by the South Australian Local Government Recreation and Sport Network to support councils and stakeholders in planning and managing synthetic sports surfaces. The Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing (ORSR) has provided funding support for this work. The materials are intended as guidance only and do not represent formal South Australian Government policy or endorsement of specific infrastructure solutions. ORSR supports evidence-based, case-by-case decision-making by local government.

Purpose:

Sets councils position and where synthetic turf is appropriate.

How it is used:

Used by leadership to guide consistent decision making and manage risk appetite.

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Purpose:

Gathers evidence and assesses the need, demand and site suitability.

How it is used:

Used early to determine if synthetic turf is justified and is supported by a business case.

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Purpose:

Defines technical design and performance requirements.

How it is used:

Used by project teams during design and procurement.

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Purpose:

Sets maintenance regimes and operational needs.

How it is used:

Used to plan resourcing, budgets and service levels and responsibilities.

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Purpose:

Identifies environmental risks and mitigation measures.

How it is used:

Used throughout planning and design to manage impacts.

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Planning Guidelines for Decision Makers Checklists

Please note: the resources listed in the tables below reflect frameworks used outside of South Australia

Resource Brief DescriptionLink
Synthetic Turf Review (2022) NSW – Independent review by the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer examining the use of synthetic turf in public spaces. NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer
Synthetic Turf Environmental Issues NSW – Environmental information and guidance on synthetic turf, including potential impacts and current regulatory considerations. NSW EPA
WA Dept. of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Natural Grass vs Synthetic Turf – Decision Making Guide WA – Decision-making guide comparing natural grass and synthetic turf for sport and recreation facilities. WA Decision Making Guide
Natural Grass vs Synthetic Turf – Study Report WA – Research report supporting evidence-based decision making when comparing natural grass and synthetic turf. WA Study Report
SA TR CEN 17519:2021 – Infill Dispersion Guidance Standards Australia – Guidance on minimising infill dispersion from synthetic turf sports facilities into the environment. Standards Australia