The synthetic grass field at Chatswood High School is showing significant signs of deterioration just one year after installation, with synthetic grass field fragments spreading across the basketball court, gutters, and neighbouring streets.
Social media posts from concerned parents show soccer boots covered in loose plastic AstroTurf after single training sessions. One parent noted the poor field condition despite moderate weather, stating the oval’s deterioration was particularly concerning given its recent installation.
This local issue reflects a wider environmental problem across NSW, where 200 synthetic sports fields generate an estimated 252 tonnes of plastic waste annually, according to the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures.
The NSW Chief Scientists office reported last year that rubber infill from such fields has been detected in state waterways. Their report highlighted several risks associated with synthetic turf including heat stress, pathogens, toxic chemicals, and microplastics.
Similar issues have been documented at Fraser Park in Marrickville and David Phillips Sports fields in Daceyville, where rubber crumbs from the fields are spreading into surrounding areas.
The rubber infill material has been banned in many European countries after being declared toxic. While Sydney’s Inner West Council has switched to cork infill for its sports fields, they maintain support for synthetic surfaces despite the environmental concerns.
The state government’s response to the Chief Scientists’ report is pending, as scientists advocate for a ban on rubber infill in synthetic turf.
Published 30-January-2025
