Faux real: Synthetic turf to take root at Norman Griffiths Oval

A synthetic pitch will prevail, after Ku-ring-gai Council finally made a call on Norman Griffiths Oval in West Pymble.

While sporting groups are happy to see the project go forward, some residents remain adamant the decision is environmentally unsound. 

In a meeting last Thursday night, councillors voted to press on with the installation of a synthetic grass oval at the site. Three councillors - Balachandran and Taylor, and Mayor Kay - voted against the synthetic turf. 

The oval has become a hot button issue for many in the Ku-ring-gai area. People have written to council on the matter, and last Monday night a public forum was held. Overall, there were 61 residents who had their say, with 52 in favour of synthetic turf, and nine against.

For West Pymble FC President Kieron FitzPatrick, who spoke in support of the synthetic option, the issue is “about what the majority wants”.

He said “we know that climate change is coming” and that this would lead to grass playing surfaces being damaged during intense rainfall events.

Local environmental groups Friends of Lane Cove National Park, Friends of Ku-ring-gai environment and South Turramurra Environment Protection all oppose the installation of synthetic turf on the grounds it would be detrimental to the local environment. 

“Fifteen percent of microplastics in Sydney’s waterways come from synthetic turf and National Parks and Wildlife Service have raised the alarm,” said Tony Butteriss, President of Friends of Lane Cove National Park.

The Lorikeet has previously reported on local environmental consultant Bron Hanna, who says natural grass ovals play a role in reducing urban heat, particularly in a warming climate.

Image credit: Ku-ring-gai Council