2025-05-06
The ACT Government will commence an investigation into how to address the impacts of artificial grass (astroturf) in terms of health, environment, and liveability, following a motion from ACT Greens Spokesperson for Climate Adaptation, Andrew Braddock MLA.
Lines attributable to ACT Greens Spokesperson for Climate Adaptation, Andrew Braddock MLA:
We know that Canberrans really care about the environment and love our bush capital, however we also know that many are probably unaware that this is an issue.
As the health and environmental impacts of these products are becoming increasingly clear it’s important that Canberrans are fully informed of the risks.
I know that many Canberrans do not have the time or the capacity to manage a garden and are looking for low maintenance garden options. I also know that there is a lot greenwashing from many astroturf manufacturers that might present this as a good option.
It’s really concerning that Canberrans haven’t been given the full picture about the impacts of this product, and I think this is important work that the ACT Government needs to undertake.
A report from the NSW Government identified a range of issues with the use of astroturf. Here in the ACT, we should also be looking at how astroturf may pose negative environmental, liveability, and health impacts to Canberrans.
The NSW report highlighted that astroturf grass is the source of extreme heat pockets. In the sun, astroturf can reach up to 90 degrees, which can lead to burns - particularly to unsuspecting children and animals. These heat pockets can also shut people out from enjoying the outside by contributing to rising temperatures through the urban heat island effect.
Astroturf can also spread dangerous microplastics into our waterways causing environmental and potential health issues.
It is important that Canberrans have all the information and have good options when they are making decisions that will affect their homes and families.
The ACT Government has already demonstrated successful small scale take up of environmentally friendly alternatives in Jacka and Strathnairn that could be extended across the ACT.
This is a really important conversation to be having with the Canberra community, and I’m really pleased by the tripartisan way the ACT Legislature Assembly came together to take these important steps to protect our health, our suburbs, our waterways and our native wildlife.