The NSW Government has released its formal response to the NSW Government Select Committee on PFAS Contamination in Waterways and Drinking Water Supplies.
CLICK HERE to view the report and response
While synthetic turf fields are not specifically mentioned in the report, two major recommendations supported by the Government have significant implications for councils, schools, sporting groups and communities concerned about PFAS exposure from artificial playing surfaces.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are increasingly recognised as persistent environmental contaminants. Synthetic turf systems—fibres, backing, shock pads, adhesives and infill—are known to contain PFAS and shed PFAS-laden particulates into surrounding soil and waterways over their lifetime.
Below is a summary of the two most important recommendations and how they relate to synthetic playing fields.
🔍 Recommendation 27: Mandatory PFAS Labelling of Products
Government Position: Supported
The report recommends mandatory PFAS labelling for all consumer, commercial and industrial products, along with the creation of a national PFAS product register. The NSW Government has confirmed its support for this initiative and will advocate for national action.
Why this matters for synthetic turf
Although synthetic turf is not named in the report, this recommendation is highly relevant:
- Synthetic grass products contain PFAS, yet manufacturers are not required to disclose this.
- Mandatory labelling would finally reveal the level of PFAS in turf fibres, backing, shock pads, infill and adhesives.
- Councils and schools would be able to make fully informed decisions before installing new fields.
- Communities would gain transparency about PFAS-containing products being installed in local parks and sports facilities.
For organisations concerned about public health and environmental protection, this represents a major step forward.
⛔ Recommendation 28: Phase-Out of Non-Essential PFAS Uses by 2030
Government Position: Supported in Principle
The Committee recommends working through National Cabinet to phase out all non-essential PFAS uses by 2030. The NSW Government supports this direction and acknowledges the growing international push toward eliminating unnecessary PFAS applications.
Why this matters for synthetic turf
Synthetic turf is not an essential use of PFAS. If this national phase-out proceeds:
- PFAS-containing artificial turf systems could become ineligible for manufacture, import or use.
- Councils installing synthetic fields today may face significant future compliance, remediation and disposal liabilities.
- Natural turf and genuine PFAS-free alternatives (which do not currently exist at scale) will become the only long-term sustainable options.
This recommendation strongly reinforces the Natural Turf Alliance’s long-standing position that installing PFAS-based synthetic fields is incompatible with emerging public health and environmental policy.
🌿 What This Means for Councils and Communities
These two government-endorsed actions—mandatory PFAS labelling and the national phase-out of non-essential PFAS uses—represent substantial shifts in how PFAS risks are managed across Australia.
Together, they highlight a clear policy trajectory:
⚠️ Synthetic turf is likely to face increasing regulatory scrutiny, transparency requirements and eventual phase-out due to PFAS content.
Choosing natural turf is not only safer for communities and the environment—it is also more aligned with the future regulatory landscape.
📣 The Natural Turf Alliance Will Continue to Advocate
We will use this momentum to:
- push for transparency in PFAS-containing products used in public spaces,
- support councils in assessing long-term environmental risks,
- encourage evidence-based decision making on field construction, and
- promote natural turf as the safe, sustainable alternative for community sport.
