RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IMPERATIVES FOR TURF MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA
Comparative figures made with the US turfgrass industry on a population basis suggest that the Australian turfgrass industry may well cover some 1.1M hectares, contribute some $AUD5.0B in maintenance costs, and employ some 80,000 people.
In addition, some $AUD3.5B could be spent on turf related businesses and services, $AUD104.0M on turfgrass sod and $AUD100M on grass seed. However many Australian figures have yet to be collected or are imbedded in the wider horticulture industry.
A national survey is required that quantifies the Australian turfgrass industry.
Four Universities, some Technical and Further Education (TAFE) providers, and a range of private and public industry/agencies are currently involved in turf research.
The research imperative calls for the national coordination of research projects to make better use of limited industry funds and the establishment of a research centre of excellence in turfgrass science and management.
Turf management education and training is available through the TAFE and University systems as well as private providers.
Qualifications range from national certificates 1-6 to advanced diplomas and baccalaureate programs to higher degree studies.
No baccalaureate program in turfgrass science and management is currently available in Australia.
Student numbers studying turf management range from 2.9 postgraduate/baccalaureate students per 100,000 head of population to 77.8 certificate level students per 100,000 head of population.
Some 0.5 to 3.5 full-time equivalents (FTE) service these programs.
The education imperative calls for the development of a balanced set of education and training policy measures, that are industry driven, and that make best use of the education and training providers.
Aldous, D.E. (2004). RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IMPERATIVES FOR TURF MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIA. Acta Hortic. 661, 537-542
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.661.73
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.661.73
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.661.73
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2004.661.73
training, turfgrass value, turfgrass sod, turf statistics
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