Hundreds of Queenslanders have registered their opposition to astro-turf. 

A petition signed by over 800 Queenslanders is calling on the state government to cease the use of artificial grass on publicly-owned land and infrastructure. 

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) employs fake turf on narrow median strips and traffic islands, prompting concerns about environmental impact.

Principal petitioner Gayle Dallaston, representing the Australian Conservation Foundation's Community Brisbane Northside group, says the group is worried about the heat emitted by artificial grass. 

“It takes away the opportunity to plant something better there for a start,” she said.

We should be planting trees and habitat on any spare land that we've got.”

The petition, now before the state parliament with 850 signatures in five days, urges immediate cessation of artificial grass installation on public and government land. 

Contrary to TMR's claim of limited usage, a spokesperson has noted that artificial grass is employed when safety and operational requirements restrict vegetation use, aiming for a “more aesthetic outcome” than concrete. 

The spokesperson highlighted challenges in maintaining low vegetation due to factors like limited soil profiles, irrigation, and pavement heat in areas such as narrow medians and traffic islands.

Despite TMR asserting no specific environmental concerns, Professor Richard Fuller from the University of Queensland's School of the Environment warned about the rapid heating of artificial turf. 

He has likened its ecological impact to concreting over soil, emphasising the importance of natural vegetation for biodiversity.