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    STEP Matters 233

    Charles Bean synthetic surface replacement – an opportunity to change to natural grass

    Charles Bean synthetic surface replacement – an opportunity to change to natural grass

    The synthetic turf surface at Charles Bean Oval in West Lindfield is now 12 years old and worn out so it is time to replace it. Ku-ring-gai Council has initiated a consultation process. You can:

    • fill in a survey questionnaire
    • make a submission by 16 December
    • attend a forum on 3 December at 6.30 pm with industry experts Dr Mick Battam and Martin Sheppard

    Mick (AgEnviro Solutions) has a PhD in agricultural science and is a professional advisor in soil scientist and irrigation.

    Martin (Smart Connections) has extensive experience in advising on the installation and use of synthetic turf to sporting bodies at all levels.

    Please make a submission

    We have already outlined all the arguments in relation to Norman Griffiths (STEP Matters 232, 231, 229, 227, 225, 222, 220, 219, 217, 210, 208).

    The soccer clubs will be marshalling their members to make submissions in favour of retaining a synthetic surface using the simple argument that there will be more playing hours. But that is not necessarily the case as they are using data of playing hours on natural grass fields that do not have modern techniques of site preparation and suitable soil and grass selection.

    There are other factors to consider that are outlined briefly below. It is important that there many submissions taking into account the full gamut of arguments.

    Location

    Charles Bean Oval is not actually an oval. It is a playing field that is the size and shape of a soccer field. It is located at the edge of Lane Cove National Park. There is an excellent bushwalk through some magnificent forest from the oval down to the entrance to Lane Cove National Park entrance in Lady Game Drive.

    Usage

    The oval is used by soccer clubs for competition and training and the nearby Lindfield Learning Village and other schools for general sports. The people living in the apartment complex nearby are also regular users. There is also a community centre next door. Ku-ring-gai Council manages the facility and bookings.

    Council information states that booked hours in 2024 were:

    • Northern Suburbs Football Association: 2360 – equates to 47 h/wk (50 weeks assuming short summer recess)
    • Lindfield Learning Village: 1336 h – equates to 34 h/wk during school terms (39 weeks)
    • Casual: 55 h – equates to 1 h/wk

    Council compares data for two grass fields (Wellington and Primula Ovals) of 1200 hours but these can be disregarded as we know nothing about the quality of the fields and how they are used. They are obviously not used during school hours.

    Playing hours

    The factor most commonly discussed and disputed about the alternatives is the comparison of playing hours. It is claimed that a synthetic surface has longer hours because it doesn’t become waterlogged and can be used in wet weather. The comparison of playing hours is often disputed because data for a grass field is often based on an old field that has been badly maintained and has unsuitable grass and drainage systems.

    Costs

    Reports by AgEnviro Solutions and Smart Connections show the comparison of costs in different ways and will take time to consider. Frankly, Smart Connection’s figures are incomprehensible. Hopefully more information will be provided at the forum on 3 December.

    Heat effects

    The field is located amongst apartment buildings, roads and other hard surfaces. The heat island effect will be apparent for players during warmer days. The data for a synthetic field does not allow for periods of hot weather when the surface can be up to 25°C hotter than the air temperature and unsafe for use even with an organic infill.

    Heat impacts the school usage of the oval that is their only area of open space. It is unfortunate that the school was opened in 2019 after the synthetic surface was already in place.

    Bushfire risk

    As quoted in the Guidelines for Division 5.1 assessments: Addendum for synthetic sports fields (p 12) the Chief Scientist’s report states:

    • Synthetic turf sports fields should not be located in areas of high bushfire and extreme flood risk.
    • Risk assessments should be undertaken for extreme flood risk and high bushfire prone areas. Assessments and testing should be informed by relevant NSW government emergency response agencies as well as independent expert advice.
    • Where synthetic turf sports fields are proposed on bushfire prone land, undertake detailed assessment of potential bushfire impacts having regard to the findings in the Chief Scientist’s review.

    Microplastics and chemicals

    Scientific research data on the risks to human health and wildlife from synthetic fields is developing all the time. This situation will still apply if the infill is changed from rubber crumb to an organic infill.