Magazine - STA Queensland off to a Good Start.

By Peter Semos in Shows and seminars on 11th Mar 2010 11:20

The STA Queensland’s first field and educational day was held at John Paul College, Daisy Hill, on the 24 February 2010. About 70 delegates and trades people were in attendance to see what STA QLD had to offer and inspect the magnificent sports turf facilities at John Paul College which are managed by Martin Hedley and his team.

The day began with a field day stream generated by nine of the attending sponsors with a vast amount of machinery and products on display. This was followed by lunch and an educational stream in the afternoon which was available to current STA QLD members.

The first of the educational presenters was Lindsay Peel, Senior consultant, Turf Irrigation Services Pty Ltd, who spoke on the “Efficient Use of Available Irrigation”. Peel’s presentation targeted the importance of design to achieve maximum efficiencies, water harvesting, proper scheduling and the utilisation of rain sensors, soil moisture sensors and weather stations to conserve water usage.

The second presenter was Keith McAuliffe, Chief Executive, Sports Turf Institute (Aust.), who spoke on “Essential Turf Maintenance Practices”. McAuliffe outlined the difficulties with the general view of non turf practitioners, that anyone can grow grass and that problems in turf are one problem, rather than a combination of problems. McAuliffe continued on the general perception, that users and non turf practitioners have unrealistic expectations of turf sports surfaces and need to be aware that turf has a finite life to usage. McAuliffe’s final thrust was to focus on utilising basic maintenance strategies, do not kill the surfaces with kindness, practice traffic control, early repairs and a focus on the sports surface playability and consistency requirements.

The third address was a joint presentation dealing with “Applying for all Government (QLD) Grants for Sports Bodies”. The first address was presented by John McKay, Facility Planning Officer, Brisbane City Council who spoke about the “Community Facility Grants Program” (ranging from a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $50,000) and “The Lord Mayor’s Sustainable Grants” (ranging from a minimum of $2,000 to a maximum of $50,000). McKay outlined the type of grants currently available, their guidelines, information required and how to obtain application forms and information from the Council’s website – www.brisbane.qld.gov.au – go to ‘Community Support’ and click on ‘Grant and Awards’. The second address was presented by Brad Reid, Advisor, Queensland Department of Local Government, Sport and Recreation, who spoke on the Queensland State Government grants. Reid provided a basic outline of grants up to $400,000 of which the government will fund 75% of the project and the website, www.sportrec.qld.gov.au, where more guidelines and application requirements can be obtained.

The first STA Queensland ‘Trade and Educational Day’ was considered by all as a great success and the Committee look forward to organising further days for Queensland. STA QLD would like to thank their current sponsors for helping the not-for-profit group get off the ground. They include: Globe Australia, Neutrog Aust., Rainbird, Turf Irrigation Services, Colin Campbell (Chemicals), Turf Culture, Toro Australia, Chesterfield Aus., Turf Force, Jimboomba Turf, Maxwell & Kemp, and Q Turf Machinery.

For further information on STA QLD or to obtain a membership form, please visit www.sportsturf.asn.au and follow the links.
Peter Semos
STA Queensland Committee Member

Read more articles in Shows and seminars, by Peter Semos or from March 2010.