Turf Queensland

15/08/2025

Join us from 5:00pm for the Turf Queensland AGM & Industry Social – an evening to unwind, connect, and celebrate with friends and colleagues from across the turf industry.

Enjoy a full 5-hour drinks package, delicious food, and plenty of laughs in a relaxed, social atmosphere. Thanks to the generous support of Turfbreed, the first 40 tickets are available at the special price of $140 per person – reduced from $190 – so book fast and don’t miss out! This is the perfect opportunity to catch up, network, and enjoy a fantastic night out with the turf community.

Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DESLT

31/07/2025

The Board of Turf Queensland extends our deepest condolences to the Anderlini family following the recent passing of Robyn Anderlini.

Robyn was an integral part of Tropical Lawns for many decades. Her commitment, presence, and contribution to the turf industry will be long remembered. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Our thoughts are with the Anderlini family during this difficult time.

🙏 Funeral Notice 🙏

All family, relatives and friends of ROBYN ANDERLINI are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service, which will be held on Tuesday 5th August 2025, commencing at 10.30am in the Chapel of Heritage Brady Funeral Directors Crematorium, 76 Maher Road, Gordonvale.

www.heritagebradyfunerals.com.au to live stream.

29/07/2025

Upcoming Webinar: Navigating Interactions with WHS Inspectors – Know Your Rights & Responsibilities

Turf Queensland is proud to launch the first in our new Business Resilience Training Series, delivered by our legal partner Mills Oakley. Join Sam Dekker, Senior Associate – Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety, for a practical session focused on helping turf growers understand their legal obligations and rights when dealing with WHS inspectors.

What the session will cover:
🔹 Understanding the powers of WHS Inspectors
🔹 How to cooperate effectively without compromising your legal rights or exposing your business
🔹 How to interpret and respond to notices – including improvement and prohibition notices
🔹 What to expect during incident investigations following a serious workplace event

This session is essential for any business owner, manager, or team leader who wants to feel confident and prepared in the event of a WHS inspection.

About the presenter:
Sam Dekker (LLB, GDLP, OHSM, GAICD) is a recognised leader in WHS law, awarded by Doyle’s Guide (2025) and Best Lawyers (2025). Sam brings deep expertise across safety, risk, and compliance and uniquely, real-world experience. Before becoming a lawyer, Sam spent over eight years working in senior WHS roles on major resource, construction, and marine projects valued at over $100B, including for Chevron and Inpex (Gorgon and Ichthys LNG). His advice is grounded, practical, and tailored to the realities of running high-risk operations.

Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions, gain clarity, and better protect your business.

Registrations can be made here: https://www.trybooking.com/DEEGX

29/07/2025

Big news for QLD Turf Growers!

We’re excited to share that Turf Queensland has secured additional funding through the Future Drought Fund to roll out Turf360 to growers completely free over the coming months!

Thanks to the strong backing of Queensland Farmers’ Federation, we’ve also submitted our bid to deliver the Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP) across the next four years.

With over 75% of our members already completing a Farm Business Resilience Plan, and more than 30% of the entire Queensland turf industry now involved, it’s clear: Our growers are building stronger, more profitable, and more resilient farms.

If our bid is successful, over the next four years, every turf grower in Queensland will have access to Turf360 at no cost, a major step forward for industry-wide adoption of best management practices.

To support this, we’re rolling out a 12-month calendar of training events covering everything from:
✅ WHS
✅ IR/HR
✅ Marketing
✅ Finance
✅ Productivity and Input Efficiency
✅ Business Transformation and more

This training will be delivered by our new Business Resilience Partner Panel, a group of hand-picked industry experts who are not only delivering free, practical training sessions to growers throughout the year, but also offering one-on-one support.

Each partner is available to take 30-minute phone consultations, completely free of charge, to talk directly with growers about challenges or risks identified through their Turf360 self-assessment. Whether it’s workplace safety, HR, marketing, finance, or business systems – our partners are here to offer real-world advice and support to help turf businesses strengthen their operations and future-proof their farms.

This is an exciting time for our industry, and we can’t wait to introduce you to the experts supporting Queensland turf businesses.

Stay tuned – more to come soon!

16/07/2025

🚨 SCAM WARNING FOR TURF GROWERS 🚨

We want to alert all turf farms and businesses to a suspicious scam that’s been reported by several growers in our network.

A male caller has been contacting turf farms across the region, placing orders for exactly 295m² of premium turf like Augusta or Sir Grange—or whatever is listed as the most expensive option on your website.

Here’s how the scam works:

He pays, or attempts to pay for the full order using a stolen credit card.

Once the payment is made, he then reduces the order and asks for a partial refund. Since the original payment was made by credit card, the grower is refunding the difference via direct bank transfer.

Key details to watch out for:

Phone Number: 0403 781 674
Names Used: Justin Ryan, Andrew Woodgate (he's even provided an ABN to some growers)
Delivery Addresses: Several different ones have been used, adding to the suspicion

⚠️ If you get a call or message matching this pattern:
✅ Double-check the buyer’s details
✅ Never refund to a different bank account
✅ Contact us to report any similar incidents

Let’s stay vigilant and protect each other from this kind of fraud.

11/07/2025

Attention Turf Growers

We’ve been informed of a new detection of Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) in the Isaac regional Council Area (Moranbah), sparking serious concern for turf producers who may soon find themselves mandated to undertake costly treatment and compliance protocols.

This is the furthest north we’ve seen RIFA detected, and it raises significant alarm. If movement controls are introduced, impacted growers will be required to carry out ongoing surveillance and chemical treatment — a process that has cost our growers in South East Queensland hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

This is no longer a problem limited to SEQ, it’s now knocking on the door of Central Queensland.

To help growers respond confidently and compliantly, Turf Queensland has developed Australia’s first RIFA Accreditation Program, tailored specifically for turf farms.

The program includes:
• Clear guidance on treatment, storage and movement protocols
• All the templates, forms and checklists you need to stay compliant
• Practical support to avoid costly penalties or business disruptions
• Recognition as a grower who meets best-practice biosecurity standards

While many turf growers outside the current biosecurity zones may feel they're not yet affected, it's important to understand that once fire ants are found on your property, regardless of location, you are legally obligated to report the detection and must implement approved treatment, management, and movement protocols for a minimum of seven years.

Some Queensland turf growers are already managing these obligations, and the burden, both financially and operationally — is significant. With detections now occurring as far north as Mackay, the risk is real and growing.

To learn more, please do not hesitate in contacting us.

10/06/2025

🌱 MAREDO MT424 VibeSpike-Seeder – Precision Turf Seeding Machine | Explained by Andrew Kolbee (GTS) 🌱Looking for a professional overseeding solution that d...

03/06/2025

Last month, we were excited to secure finance for a brand new truck to join the Coastal Turf fleet — at an impressive rate of just 6.99%. Even better, approval came through in under 24 hours, and settlement was completed within 30 minutes of signing the paperwork — all without the need for bank statements or business financials.

Now, we’re proud to offer that same simplicity and support to others in the turf community.

We’ve locked in a special rate of 5.99% for all new primary equipment purchases — including trucks and tractors, — with a combined valued at $300,000 or more, with finance terms available for up to 7 years. Conditions apply.

This is just one of the ways we’re helping to drive business growth across the industry — by making access to equipment faster, easier, and more affordable.

Enquire today to find out how we can help get your next big investment moving.

27/05/2025

You asked for it, and we delivered: We're excited to launch Turf360, a best management practice (BMP) program tailored specifically for the turf industry — and you’re invited to the official webinar to learn how it can benefit your farm.

Why Turf360?
Turf360 is designed to help turf producers work smarter, enhance on-farm performance, and future-proof their operations through practical, achievable best practice. It provides a full 360-degree view of your farm business, helping you identify potential risks, uncover opportunities for growth, and highlight unnecessary costs.

It’s a whole-of-business approach that supports better decision-making across every part of your operation.

The program covers key areas of turf production, including: Water use and efficiency Fertiliser and chemical use Workplace health and safety Biosecurity (including a dedicated RIFA module) Waste, energy and business planning And more

For growers operating in the RIFA biosecurity zone, the program includes a dedicated module to help you manage risk and stay aligned with ever changing compliance requirements — complete with all the forms and checklists you need.

Date: Friday 20th June
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Register here: https://www.trybooking.com/DCERF

Whether you’re looking to improve day-to-day operations or demonstrate your commitment to industry standards, Turf360 is your next step.

Smarter systems. Stronger farms. Join us for the launch.

06/05/2025

Turn Heads in the Paddock – Not Just Turf!

We’ve teamed up with the legends at Trademutt to bring you turf industry workwear that works hard and speaks loud.

Introducing the Trademutt x Turf Workshirt – designed for our growers, farmers, and crews who spend their days in the sun, on the tools, and making Australian landscapes green and great.

👕 Why you’ll love it:
✅ Lightweight, breathable, and built for long days
✅ Hi-vis compliant for safety on site
✅ Unique turf-inspired design – stand out with pride!
✅ Sparks conversation for mental health awareness
✅ Supports TIACS – This Is A Conversation Starter

Every shirt is a statement: “We’re here, we care, and we’ve got each other’s backs.”

This isn’t just a shirt—it’s a movement. It’s about showing pride in your work and helping create a mentally healthier workplace for everyone in our industry.

Turf strong. Trademutt proud. Available now.

Grab yours today and wear the change: https://www.turfqueensland.org.au/shop/

03/04/2025

A big thank you to Tropical Lawns for hosting the Turf Queensland Farm Tour as part of our FNQ Roadshow!

Growers from across the region had the chance to walk the paddocks, learn from each other, and see firsthand how Tropical Lawns operates in Far North Queensland’s unique climate.

The farm tour was a key part of our two-day event in Cairns and provided invaluable insights into growing turf in tropical conditions (and yes… we’re still recovering from the humidity 🥵).

Thanks again to the Tropical Lawns team for your generosity, hospitality, and continued leadership in the industry!

03/04/2025

Turf Queensland Roadshow – A Year of Growth and Learning!

Over the past 12 months, the Turf Queensland Roadshow has provided growers across the state with opportunities to connect, learn, and experience the latest in turf innovation. From our field day at Go Turf on the Sunshine Coast, showcasing cutting-edge turf technology and soil health insights, to our recent Roadshow in Cairns where we focused on building resilience, the initiative has been a huge success!

On April 2nd & 3rd, over 30 growers came together in Far North Queensland, kicking off with a farm tour at Tropical Lawns, where we explored resilience in turf farming and how to get succession planning right. The following day was packed with workshops designed to strengthen business resilience, covering:
✅ Conflict management strategies; delivered by The Conflict Management Academy
✅ Industrial relations updates impacting growers and their businesses, delivered by IRiQ Law
✅ IPAM Advisors insights into practical support programs
✅ WorkSafe Queensland’s advice on fostering a strong safety culture
✅ Mindfulness training, equipping growers with tools to manage stress and challenges, delivered by Lauren Joy Wilson

A massive thank you to all the growers who attended, and to Trimax Mowers for joining us to showcase their latest technology, particularly the new release Pegasus S5. We also extend our gratitude to DPI Queensland for their continued support of the turf industry—this program has played a vital role in helping growers build resilience and navigate challenges.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our annual sponsors who have supported our growers over the past 12 months. Your contribution has been invaluable in ensuring the success of these initiatives and the ongoing development of the Queensland turf industry. Thank you to Trimax Mowers, Flinders Agriculture, Living Turf, Swarmfarm Robotics, Fieldquip, Greenway Turf Solutions and Turfware.

A big shout out to KB Adams for shouting the crew dinner and drinks at the Industry Social - Mat, your a legend!

Sadly, this may be the last year we receive funding from DPI Queensland to run the Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP), so we encourage all growers to take advantage of this opportunity while it’s still available! Many growers in South East Queensland have already completed the program, secured grant funding to upgrade their farm infrastructure, and are now revisiting their plans with the team at Moshie.

We’re looking forward to continuing these conversations and supporting our industry well into the future!