A representative of Friends of Callan Park addressed the April meeting of the Inner West Council on the proposal to install plastic grass on the playing fields at Callan Park, one of Syndey’s five iconic parks. Citizens are only given a strictly enforced 3 minutes so the case against has to be delivered in a nutshell …
Comments at IWC Council Meeting, 9 April 2024
I am speaking for Friends of Callan Park this evening. We would like to thank Councillor Stamolis for putting the Questions on Notice regarding synthetic turf and all-weather turf fields on tonight’s agenda.
Friends of Callan Park has attempted to understand the pros and cons of using artificial turf. We have connected with many individuals and groups regarding this topic.
Recently we have focussed on the health hazards of playing on artificial turf what could be called plastic grass. Yes, ALL synthetic turf (including so-called hybrid) has plastic.
Very recent studies identify the health risks from PFAS or “forever chemicals” from playing on artificial turf. An article in The Guardian on 16 March, 2024, titled Athletes likely to have higher levels of PFAS after play on artificial turf makes the connection.
According to the article:
PFAS, are a class of about 15,000 chemicals often used to make products resist water, stain and heat. The compounds are linked to cancer, liver problems, thyroid issues, birth defects, kidney disease, decreased immunity and other serious health problems.
Artificial turf is made with several layers including plastic grass blades, plastic backing that holds the blades in place and infill that weighs down the turf to help blades stand upright. Industry has said the grass blades and backing cannot be made without PFAS.
We are also learning more about the effects of PFAS on our environment. A frightening article on the front page of the Sydney Morning Herald last Thursday described How to poison a planet-forever.
Friends of Callan Park sent you an email this afternoon with the links for the articles I have just referred to.
In short, the world at large is discovering more and more the hazards of using plastics which contain PCFS which are in synthetic turf.
Many Councils are facing the same problem we are of extending the use of our playing fields. As many Councils have proven, there is an alternative – spend the funds taking better care of our natural turf fields. Friends of Callan Park support the sporting groups and want to see as many men, women, boys and girls playing ALL sports at Callan Park.
A short video, which is in your email, describes how Mosman Council chose not to install artificial turf but spent the funds reinvigorating their turf fields to the satisfaction of the community including all sports teams. Please take the time to watch it as it depicts where the Inner West Council is at the moment – do we or don’t we proceed with artificial turf fields?.
We know the Inner West Council prides itself in its environmental record and views. Installing artificial turf completely contradicts that practice and reputation.
Spend the funds taking better care of our existing natural turf fields. Pursuing that goal will benefit all sports and other users such as dog walkers and in that way, bring together … rather than divide the community.
Thank you.