The Federal Government’s Senate Select Committee Inquiry into the extent, regulations and management of PFAS has now released its Final Report, and we want to share several critical findings that directly support the Natural Turf Alliance’s long-standing concerns about synthetic turf and PFAS contamination.
Click here to view the report
Our submission is referenced in the report (pages 85–87)
Key Findings from the Senate Inquiry
The Committee’s evidence on synthetic turf is unambiguous. PFAS-contaminated pollution from artificial fields represents a serious and poorly regulated environmental and public health risk. The report notes that “NSW alone has over 200 synthetic turf fields” and highlights regulatory failure across Australia.
Significant PFAS Pollution from Artificial Turf
The report also quotes research from the University of Technology, Sydney that indicates a single synthetic field can release 800 kg to 3,200 kg of PFAS-contaminated particulate into the environment.
As fields reach end-of-life, the Committee warns of “hundreds of thousands of kilograms of PFAS-contaminated pollutants” entering soil and waterways, persisting for decades.
Clear Recommendation: Regulate and Phase Out PFAS in Synthetic Turf
The Committee recommends:
- A national regulation that bans PFAS in synthetic turf, artificial ground coverings, and associated products, and
- A coordinated national response to manage contamination from existing fields.
These findings align closely with the concerns raised by NTA and many local communities.
Why This Matters for Councils and Communities
The Senate inquiry is the strongest national statement to date acknowledging:
- Synthetic turf is a source of PFAS pollution
- It poses significant long-term environmental and health risks
- Australia lacks consistent regulation, monitoring, or disposal pathways
The report confirms what communities have been saying for years: choosing synthetic turf brings heavy environmental costs and long-term liabilities that councils and communities are not prepared for.
Next Steps
We will continue to analyse the findings and prepare a detailed briefing for members, councils, and sports organisations.
For now, you can access:
- Full Senate PFAS Inquiry Final Report (PDF)
- Health Risks of PFAS in Synthetic Turf (NTA report)
- Background report from AUSMAP on PFAS contamination
We encourage members to share this update with local councillors, community groups, and sporting organisations.
