Want to get news alerts delivered direct to your inbox? Edit your email preferences.
HG Sports Turf - Management Appointment
26 Jul 2012 by: Mike kemmett
"Well done Nobby! Hes a good lad. Now employ me!!!"
MCG Head Groundsman Departs
20 Jul 2012 by: Roaring Silence
"Makes plenty of sense Turfie, unfortunately large organisati ..."
MCG Head Groundsman Departs
20 Jul 2012 by: Turfie
"Yes Arguably "Flash" is the best 2nd in charge in the countr ..."
MCG Head Groundsman Departs
20 Jul 2012 by: KeepitSharp///
"Why bother undertake a global search for a suitable replacem ..."
Who do you Believe?
8 Jun 2012 by: David McKEchnie
"Enjoyable reading - note also CEC is generally measured / ca ..."
By Turf Australia in {CATEGORY} on 4 May 2012
As part of a national marketing campaign to promote the benefits of turf and preserve community grassed spaces, Turf Australia is calling on councils Australia-wide to formalise a minimum green space ratio.
With no current formal minimum green space ratio in Australia, Turf Australia is willing councils to meet a benchmark of 40 square metres of green space per resident.
The call to action comes as a result of consumer research that revealed 91 per cent of Australians claim publicly accessible grassed areas in cities and towns create a better quality of life."All councils work to set local environment plan guidelines for development, including the minimum size of house and units. The Council Kudos program calls on councils to guarantee a minimum green space ratio for the benefit of their residents," says Turf Australia general manager, Matthew Holmes.
"40 square metres is approximately the size of a large living room and many councils, including those in the inner city, already provide much more than this," concludes Holmes.
Turf Australia has singled out for praise several major councils nationally that are committed to sustainability, creating community green spaces and forward-thinking urban planning. Major councils who have agreed to meet the minimum suggested green space ratio include Adelaide City Council, Perth City Council, Warringah Council, Manly Council and Townsville City Council.
"Residents of these councils should feel proud of their local government and feel confident that rates are being well-used in aiding their community," says Holmes.
"There is a growing awareness that urban planning, which includes natural outdoor spaces, will prompt healthy and active lifestyles, as well as ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations," says Holmes.
Turf Australia applauds the work of councils such as Warringah Council, which this summer announced a $2 million program to maintain turfed open space, including 127 sports fields which will be aerated, fertilised and returfed. Brookvale Oval, the Council's most celebrated sportsground, is mowed 100 times per year.
City of Greater Geelong Council has committed $120,000 over three years to turfing and maintaining Steampacket Gardens, its most highly prized and largest public area situated on the Geelong Waterfront. More than 70 events per year are held at Steampacket Gardens which provides a direct link from the Waterfront to the city centre.
Adelaide City Council lays 6,400 square metres of new kikuyu turf each year in Rundle Park, to ensure the park remains useable all year round for the million plus visitors it receives annually.
About Turf Australia 
Turf Australia is the representative body of the turf industry comprising over 200 levy paying turf producers and individual members Australia wide. Turf Australia's aim is to develop and foster the advancement and profitability of a sustainable natural turf grass industry. Turf Australia is committed to the environmentally responsible production, installation and maintenance of turf grass through training, information and development programs. Visit turfaustralia.com.au.
Full list of councils committed to Turf Australia's Council Kudos Program:
Bankstown City Council, Liverpool City Council, Manly Council, Warringah Council, Cairns Regional Council, Fraser Coast Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council, Rockhampton Regional Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Townsville City Council, Adelaide City Council, Greater Geelong City Council, Monash City Council, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, Fremantle City Council, Mandurah City Council and Perth City Council.
For more information about Turf Australia's Council Kudos program, please contact:
Kellie Morrissey at IMPACT Communications Tel: 02 9519 5411 Mob: 0416 318 200 E:kellie@impactcommunications.com.au
Read more articles in {CATEGORY}, by Turf Australia or from May 2012.
