Key Stakeholders

• Australian Turf Industry – it produces, distributes, installs, maintains, and provides products and advice to the end users of turf.  The Industry includes many businesses andindustry associations and bodies (e.g. Horticulture Australia Ltd, Turf Producers Australia, Turf Growers Association of WA, Golf Course Superintendents Association of WA, Parks & Leisure Australia, Landscape Industries Association, Irrigation Australia Ltd, Sports Turf Association of Australia (WA), WA Bowling Association, etc.)
• Businesses providing products and services to turf growers and managers (e.g. water, fertilisers, irrigation equipment, agri-chemicals, compost, soil amendments, consultant advice, etc.), and industry associations (e.g. Fertiliser Association, WA Compost Association, Irrigation Australia Ltd).
• Businesses with potential synergies (e.g. use of by-products, such as waste- or recycled-waters, organic and inorganic substances suitable for use as a soil amendment).
• Bulk end users (e.g. local government, golf courses, ovals, sports grounds, parks, other grassed public open spaces, racing & gaming industry, etc.) and their relevant associations (see above and WA Local Government Association (WALGA)).
• Individual end users (e.g. Homeowners).
• Government departments and agencies – influence over users (e.g. Departments of Agriculture/Natural Resource Management, Department of Water, Department of Sports & Recreation, Department of Parks & Wildlife, Department of Environmental Regulation, Department of Education).
• Relevant research investors (e.g. Horticulture Australia Ltd., Australian Research Council, Industry and Government).
• Suppliers (e.g. Water Corporation) and regulators (e.g. Department of Water) of water resources.
• Research, research training and education providers (e.g. TAFE, Universities, CSIRO, professional associations, public and private sector providers, etc.).

 Statement of Purpose

Function

• To assess, and where appropriate initiate, and then conduct turf research projects to ensure that the results will be of maximum benefit to the stakeholders. 
• To provide stakeholders with relevant information that will enable them to make informed decisions regarding establishment and maintenance of turf.

• To select projects that have relevant and achievable goals, will be completed within budget and on time, and which produce and disseminate new knowledge.
• Secure adequate and on-going funding in collaboration with stakeholders in order to address Australia’s turf research needs.
• Effective communication with industry to facilitate practice changes for economic and/or environmental benefits.
• Provision of research student training opportunities.
• To raise the profile of the research group, and ultimately to be recognised by practitioners and scientists, nationally and internationally, for excellence in turf research.

Desired Outcomes

• A vibrant, multi-disciplinary, collaborative turf research group recognised for excellence in research and collaboration with the Australian Turf Industry.
• Deliver new knowledge on turf sciences and management to Industry and Scientific audiences in WA, Australia, and world-wide.
• Improved communication and sharing of knowledge amongst stakeholder groups.
• Increased awareness amongst stakeholders of: (i) environmental and social benefits of turf, and (ii) responsible use of turf, in urban environments.
• Maintaining an acceptable quality of turf with the minimal input of resources, through a better understanding of processes in turf and soils.
• Australian Turf Industry recognised as leaders in best management practices for water and nutrients in turf.
• Science graduates with knowledge in turf and related sciences, with an appreciation of industry needs – a future resource for industry, government and/or research providers.
• Satisfied and motivated research staff, academic staff, committee members, and contributing partners.