The City of Sydney has adopted a significantly more cautious and evidence-based approach towards future synthetic turf sports fields following a major policy review considered by Council in February 2026.
The review recognises that synthetic fields can help address growing pressure on sporting facilities across the city. Council noted that demand for sports field capacity is expected to increase substantially by 2030, with the City’s four existing synthetic fields already contributing around 11,000 additional playable hours annually.
However, the policy also highlights increasing environmental, health and urban planning concerns associated with synthetic turf. These include:
- urban heat impacts and unsafe surface temperatures during summer;
- microplastic pollution entering waterways;
- flood risks;
- biodiversity impacts;
- end-of-life disposal issues; and
- broader environmental concerns associated with synthetic materials.
Importantly, Council referenced updated NSW Government guidance released following the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer review into synthetic turf. The new guidance requires more rigorous environmental assessments, including:
- biodiversity impact assessments;
- heritage assessments;
- climate and urban heat analysis;
- waterway and flood risk assessments;
- microplastic mitigation measures; and
- end-of-life management plans.
The motion also acknowledged emerging evidence that well-designed and intensively maintained natural turf fields may achieve substantially greater playing capacity than previously assumed, while avoiding many of the environmental risks associated with synthetic surfaces. Council specifically referenced the Natural Turf Alliance case study involving Middle Head Oval.
Under the adopted position, future synthetic turf proposals will now only be considered on a case-by-case basis, supported by detailed environmental assessments and community consultation. Council also resolved that any future proposals — including the proposed Mandible Street Sports Precinct in Alexandria — must include direct comparisons between natural and synthetic turf options, including capital costs, maintenance costs and end-of-life impacts.
The decision reflects a broader shift occurring across several NSW councils, where updated scientific evidence, environmental concerns and evolving NSW Government guidance are leading to greater scrutiny of synthetic turf projects.
