The Trust considered a proposal for plastic grass on Middle Head Oval. HPG opposed this.
Campaign aim
To protect the natural environmental and heritage values of Trust lands. Retain natural grass on Middle Head oval.
CAMPAIGN DATES
2017–2018
OUTCOMe
The proposal did not proceed, however the Harbour Trust has not ruled out the use of plastic grass at Middle Head or Georges Heights Ovals.
―
HPG strongly opposes the replacement of natural grass at Middle Head Oval and Georges Heights Oval with synthetic playing fields made of plastic grass on environmental, heritage, health, and public access grounds.
HPG argued that plastic grass fails to meet the Trust’s Comprehensive and Management Plans. The Trust’s own commissioned study, by NGH Environmental, in 2017 states synthetic turf fails Ecological Sustainable Development (ESD) principles. But the Trust has left door open for synthetic turf on its sporting fields.
The use of plastic grass leads to the loss of natural green space recognised as benefiting mental and physical health. Synthetic turf is not natural to native fauna. Under the EPBC Act a fauna impact study is required. The safety concerns of synthetic turf and the impact of micro plastic discharge into waterways and the presence in the food chain has not been adequately researched. HPG’s position is that the Trust must rule out synthetic turf on Headland Park Ovals.
ABOVE: Natural grass has been retained on Middle Head Oval. HPG wants the Trust to rule out any possibility for plastic grass on Headland Park ovals. Image Michael Mangold
Our concerns for the future:
1.
The Harbour Trust’s recreation strategy states that “new or upgraded sporting facilities may be suitable to achieve the objective of maximising public access“
Mosman Council’s recreational needs assessment recommended an increase in “sports fields capacity and associated facilities at Cross Street, Middle Head Oval and Georges Heights Oval through changing surfaces.” Whilst the Harbour Trust’s preference is for natural surfaces to be retained at Middle Head and Georges Heights Ovals, it has not categorically ruled out plastic grass.
2.
Sporting interests will continue to put pressure on the Harbour Trust to accept a range of proposals that could seriously damage the core objectives and amenity of Headland Park.
A Mosman council report considered on 5 March 2019 says there is “ample spare land” on Trust land. Headland Park is a unique Australian asset: HPG understands the need for additional sporting facilities for Mosman residents, and the pressure from other suburbs to utilise Mosman's perceived "ample unused land".
However, the land is Commonwealth land. It is not Mosman Council land. Let us not forget the original and binding intent. The intent was as a gift to the whole nation, reflecting the Headland's unique heritage, historic and environmental value for all Australians.
3.
Middle Head Oval and Georges Heights Ovals are special: both ovals are special places, and that is why HPG campaigned for natural turf and drainage improvements for Middle Head Oval. However, increased usage and new/additional lighting puts this substantial investment at risk and raises the prospects of renewed calls for plastic grass let alone likely traffic congestion. The environmental, health, traffic and national amenity value of Middle Head will need vigorous defending in the face of any such pressure.