Australian Turfgrass Management Journal - Volume 23.4

Page 22

ASTMA AWARDS

areas for promotion of the endemic flora and fauna l Regular machinery updates to keep abreast of the latest technologies and advancements in this area. The fleet was recently updated to include new hybrid cutting head technologies to reduce noise and other emission pollutions to the environment. The recent purchase of a GPS-guided spray unit not only increases course efficiencies but also increases the accuracy of course chemical and pesticide applications

The Eastlake Golf Club site is long, narrow and environmentally sensitive

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Sitting in a wetlands region, Eastlake occupies a unique pocket of Sydney

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In-house new tee upgrades to 10 holes that incorporate and enhance a more traditional and natural landscape off the playing areas by using a fescue blend that will be left long for aesthetics, mowing reduction and for housing native and endemic species of flora and fauna Continual upgrading of the irrigation system to facilitate advancements in water efficiencies Regular moisture meter readings and benchmarking on turf surfaces to determine best practice of irrigation and water usage and conservation to maximise efficiencies Regular water testing to monitor the groundwater utilised for irrigation Regular drone mapping of the course for historic data logging of moisture management, vegetation percentages and plant stresses.

The course remains popular for the golf-playing public and members alike

AUSTRALIAN TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT 23.4

LONG-RANGE VISION In the 10 years Bradbury has held the superintendent’s role at Eastlake Golf Club, there has been continual commitment towards the long-term sustainability of not only the golf course proper but also the environment in which it is situated. Understanding that he and the club are the custodians and caretakers for the area, they are not content with just maintaining but are constantly improving the site and its sustainability. Bradbury introduced, manages and continually improves an Environmental Management Plan at Eastlake that harnesses the ideals in accordance with Sydney Water’s Botany Wetland Plan of Management 2018-2028. Working under these guidelines is how he and the club are committed to the sustainability and improvement of the property.

Noxious weed removal opened up the site’s native sand dunes


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