Natural Turfgrass Saves Lives- The Hurricane Katrina Experience

The Queensland Turf Producers Association (QTPA) now trading as Turf Queensland, commenced in March 2001 and believed it was timely to represent the growing professional industry of turf production in this state. In so doing a Strategic Development Plan was undertaken to support, in a sustainable professional manner, the growth of turf production as an intensive agriculture sector across Queensland. As the recognised Queensland industry support body for turf production the development of our Core Purpose was undertaken (see below). As is the case with all industry associations the development of member benefits was paramount and addressing the various issues identified by members through the inclusive research of the strategic plan has provided considerable direction for the executive of the Association.

• 19,700,000 m² of natural turfgrass is grown in Queensland alone.
• 100 turf grass producers across the state.
• Turfgrass annual Queensland State GDP is $327 million.
• There are approximately 500 FTE’s employed within the Queensland turf production industry with double that with casual employment especially in summer.
• Natural turfgrass is a proven soil, sediment and nutrient environmental filter and reduces and controls soil erosion and noise.
• There is more cultivated and managed natural turfgrass grown in Australia than any other crop. This includes the numerous sporting fields and open space Park lands.