The Stromlo Playing Fields site. The project has been contentious for some Molonglo residents. Photo: Ian Bushnell.
The Stromlo Playing Fields project in Molonglo is set to proceed with an artificial turf pitch after an ACT Government-commissioned review found that any environmental issues could be managed.
An amendment to the development application includes this and other reviews of issues raised about the $27 million project on the southeast corner of UC Stromlo Forest Park on the corner of Cotter and Swallowtail roads, near the 2003 ACT Bushfire Memorial.
Stage one includes one synthetic grass sportsground consisting of two rectangular fields and one modified AFL oval that uses the same space, a central sports pavilion, lighting, an internal road and parking, and landscaping including pedestrian footpaths and the planting of trees.
Stage two, subject to funding approval, includes a natural grass oval suitable for AFL with a centre turf cricket square and adjoining cricket practice nets, a natural grass rectangular field, lighting for both fields and landscaping.
The choice of artificial turf was a key issue for opponents of the project, beyond those who didn’t want playing fields on the site at all, and the loss of beginner mountain bike trails.
There were also concerns about parking, the pavilion design and whether the facility would be big enough to cater for the growing Molonglo district.
A Legislative Assembly petition had called on the ACT Government to revisit the planning assumptions for the playing fields, identify a bigger site and commit to delivering properly scaled, fit‑for‑purpose facilities that will meet the needs of Molonglo families for decades to come.
Synthetic turf needs less water and offers greater resilience than grass but raises issues about stormwater runoff, contamination due to microplastic shedding and chemical leaching, and recycling at end of life.
A site plan of the Stromlo Playing Fields. Stage 1 includes the synthetic field and the pavilion. Image: ACT Government.
The review says organic sand and infill will be used in the synthetic turf system, and no recycled crumb rubber, a key contaminant source, recycled sand or waste-derived infill products are proposed.
An enclosed drainage, perimeter containment and a 200-micron filtration system will be deployed to manage runoff and minimise the migration of synthetic turf materials downstream, including into Holdens Creek.
A minimum 150 mm perimeter upright concrete kerb around the synthetic field will help retain organic infill within the field of play, and boot-cleaning grates will be used at field access points to minimise the transfer of infill and other synthetic turf materials beyond the field enclosure.
Other measures to reduce the risk of fibre and infill migration include grooming and brushing, weed and stain removal and periodic power brushing using specialist synthetic turf maintenance equipment.
The government is committed to recycling the field components when it reaches expiry.
Another review found that beginner mountain bike trails could not be retained due to the scale of earthworks required across the site, the integrated nature of the proposed infrastructure, and the associated safety, environmental and construction constraints.
New trails are planned for Stromlo Forest Park and are expected to be delivered next year, subject to approval.
The pavilion design, parking and project scale were found to be satisfactory and remain unchanged.
The amendment was not publicly notified, as the Territory Planning Authority is satisfied that the additional information provided will not materially alter the existing proposal. There is no consultation period.
