Council is seeking feedback on a revised draft Street Verge & Public Land Tree Maintenance Policy. Among other changes, the revised policy proposes removing artificial grass as an option for street verges. It will not ban existing installations. The policy is currently on public exhibition until 30 October and has not yet been adopted.
Council will consider any community feedback after the consultation period closes and feedback is presented at a future meeting of Council. Feedback on the draft policy can be made at https://yourvoice.qprc.nsw.gov.au/street-verge-public-land-tree-maintenance-policy-2025
The revised policy allows for natural grass, and in certain areas, alternative treatments including bound gravel, soft landscaping, or hard landscaping features that are flush with the ground.
The policy recognises that 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.
Research into artificial grass and turf is a growing area, 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 the public space and sporting contexts. The review 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.
