Past & Current Projects

With major flood events occurring in NSW from February 2022, an estimated 45 growers were impacted in NSW alone, with losses estimated at $140 million. To support growers impacted by these floods, Turf Australia established compost demonstration sites in 2024, funded by the Early Needs Recovery Project (ENRP) with the support of Local Land Services (NSW Government).

Many turf farms along the east coast of NSW are often located in low-lying, flood-prone areas with heavy alluvial soils that are tough and prone to compaction. Floods can cause significant damage and alter these delicate soils with each event. The use of organics, particularly compost, has become increasingly popular in recent years within the turf industry due to its ability to significantly improve soil health and structure, both in the short and long term.

Be aware that compost isn’t just compost. The following fact sheets provide additional information on what to look for and consider.

Flood recovery is often a time-consuming and expensive process. Using compost has been proven to significantly reduce these recovery times, allowing growers to resume production and begin selling sooner.

Turf Australia collaborated closely with several growers affected by the floods, including those in the Hawkesbury, Mid North, and South Coast regions, to highlight the benefits of compost and its practical applications.

Each farm was assessed individually for suitability based on its soil type, the turf varieties grown, and its site location. The application rates ranged from 50 to 150 cubic metres per hectare (10,000 sqm). Each rate or treatment demonstrated the soil’s ability to infiltrate and/or retain water, as well as the growth and development of turf compared to a control (normal practice) post a flood event.

The video link below demonstrates what can be accomplished, and the results are impressive!

As mentioned, it is recommended that an experienced industry professional, such as an agronomist, conduct a site assessment before application to ensure the amount used suits the specific requirements of your soil. Additionally, make sure the material comes from a reputable and certified supplier.

With major flood events occurring in NSW from February 2022, an estimated 45 growers were impacted in NSW alone, with losses estimated at $140 million.

To assist growers affected by these floods, two Cost of Production (COP) calculators were developed by Turf Australia in 2024 and funded under the Early Needs Recovery Project (ENRP) with the support of Local Land Services (NSW Government).

The ‘Lite’ COP version is a straightforward, effective, and quick tool for growers to access and provide basic recovery cost estimates based on projected expenses. The ‘Advanced’ tool requires more detailed and specific information. Both tools help growers perform necessary calculations to support their farm’s daily operations and offer a practical way to input data and forecast outcomes, enabling planning during times of crisis such as flood recovery.

Since developing these tools, growers have been impressed and benefited. The following fact sheets and case studies outline what you can expect from this invaluable resource.

Comprehensive, step-by-step, and detailed instructions are also available for each calculator, enabling users to maximise the benefits of these valuable tools and address any questions they may have along the way.

The Turf Australia team provided in-kind support for this initiative. The extension of the COP tools will be ongoing under the current TIDE project, which is funded through Hort Innovation via grower levies. The COP calculators have also been made available to growers and promoted by allied State industry representatives.

The Turf Industry Development & Extension Project (TIDE) is jointly funded by Hort Innovation/Project Operations, and state/regional funding.

Project Operations funding covers national activities, workshops, research and development, tools and extension with a 70% grower focus, while state/regional funding covers these elements for states and regions with a 30% end user focus.

The TIDE project exists to ensure turf production businesses are equipped with resources and tools to improve their business sustainability, productivity, profitability and resilience.

The project includes on-farm development and extension to strengthen the industry as a whole and reflects outcomes of the TIDE Plan and Needs Analysis Study undertaken by Turf Australia in October 2021. The study was developed to identify grower views and expectations. Five key objectives were established to address the findings of the study and to form the basis of deliverables under the TIDE Project. These objectives include:

Industry Development and Extension Program Strategy

Strategic and nationally coordinated collaboration with turf industry service providers and industry organisations including state and regional associations.

Knowledge Sharing

Between current and past Hort Innovation Turf Industry research and development providers. Knowledge sharing includes the Hort Innovation Frontiers Green Cities Fund and is driven by national and international research and development initiatives.

On Farm and End User Program

This objective delivers industry development and extension activities spread over two years. The aim is to increase capacity to create grower practice change.

Measurement and Review

Including a mid-term review (after two years) focused on a national grower survey, aimed at approximately 220 Australian turf businesses; reporting grower and end-user project benefits – in knowledge, attitude, skills and aspirations – and the implementation of changes in practice aligned to the Turf Strategic Investment Plan 2022-2026 (TSIP) measured outcomes; and making recommendations for the final two years under the TSIP.

Project Milestone Reporting and Completion

This objective includes the completion of project management and reporting templates (including a program logic and monitoring evaluation plan); a project delivery risk register; bi-annual Project Reference Group (PRG) meetings and six-monthly milestone status reports submitted to Hort Innovation, with one final report upon project wrap up in May 2025.

TIDE Project Manager

Eva Ricci
Turf Australia Executive Officer
[email protected]

The Turf Industry Communications Project is funded by Hort Innovation and is responsible for the ongoing communication of Turf Australia- and industry initiatives for the continual improvement and support of the turf industry.

The Communications Project is aimed at informing and celebrating the turf industry. Deliverables under the Communications Project include the TurfConnect industry magazine; QuickCuts e-newsletters; management of Turf Australia’s social media presence; relevant media releases and media liaison as needed; e-newsletter ALERTS for urgent industry notifications; and the production of fact sheets and other topical and promotional resources made available for grower use on farm and/or for distribution to customers/end-users.

Six-monthly milestone reports are submitted to Hort Innovation to outline progress and to list deliverables met.

Communications Project Manager

Yolandè Lundie
Communications & Engagement Coordinator
[email protected]

Turf Australia is the delivery partner for an exciting new project funded by Hort Innovation using turf levy marketing funds.

The project involved the development, launch and management of a national marketing campaign in promotion of natural lawns and the Australian turf industry. It is aimed at establishing an emotive connection to natural turf as the ideal and irreplaceable backdrop for some of life’s most joyful moments: family gatherings and celebrations, milestones, quality time with friends and pets, sporting triumphs and connection with nature.

‘Choose the JOY of Natural Lawn’ is a bright and feel-good campaign launched on Wednesday 10 September 2025, with a social media presence on Facebook and Instagram. A dedicated campaign website was developed where end-users can enter competitions, learn about the benefits of natural lawn, find a grower and even shop for campaign merchandise. www.naturallawnjoy.com.au

Turf Australia is thrilled to take the lead on a campaign of this scale that actively involves growers and gives levy payers ownership over the promotion of their industry. By providing tools and resources for industry partners, the campaign empowers collaboration and strengthens a united movement for natural turf.

Marketing Project Manager

Yolandè Lundie
Communications & Engagement Coordinator
[email protected]