Australian Sports Turf Consultants
A provider of independent agronomic and specialist sports turf consultancy services across Australia.
Australian owned.
Based in Brisbane, QLD
Australian Sports Turf Consultants (ASTC) is an Australian owned and operated company based in Brisbane. ASTC provides independent turf consultancy services to stadia and elite sporting codes, council and government authorities, sporting clubs, schools and universities, golf and bowls clubs, horse racing tracks, construction and maintenance companies, and the turf production industry. ASTC also carries out research and extension activities for Australian and international turf related industries.
ASTC is on the Local Buy panel for the following categories:
- Landscape, Gardening and Arboricultural Service (LB305);
- Public Areas Facilities, Parks & Amenities (LB304); and
- Sport and Recreational Facilities and Equipment (LB303).
The Trustee for Matthew Roche Family Trust (ABN 36 193 978 673) as trustee for Australian Sports Turf Consultants Pty Ltd (ABN 51 160 406 271).
Our Clients
ASTC works with and consults to a diverse range of government and industry bodies, sporting organisations and companies.
Our business clients include:
- Sport stadiums
- Elite sporting codes
- Councils and government bodies
- Community sports clubs, horse racing tracks, golf and bowls clubs, schools and universities
- Turf maintenance and commercial construction companies
- Specifiers, architects, engineers, developers, builders and landscapers
- Turf producers and peak industry bodies
Our Proud Partners and Supporters
Matt Roche
Director & Principal Turf Consultant
DApSc BApSc MPhil
Matt Roche is the Director of Australian Sports Turf Consultants. Matt has over 20 years’ experience in the sports turf industry and was previously employed as the Senior Research Scientist within the Queensland Governments former turf research program.
Matt has provided consultancy services to major sport facilities, sporting clubs and local councils across Australia. Matt is frequently asked to present on the latest research, technical improvements within the turf industry at state and national conferences and workshops.
Matt Roche is also the developer of TurfFinder.com. Turf Finder is an independent web site developed to provide factual information to assist professional turf managers and homeowners on selecting the best available turfgrass to meet their needs and how to maintain it
Qualifications
2013 Master of Philosophy, Turf Science, University of Queensland
2002 Bachelor of Applied Science, University of Queensland
2000 Diploma of Applied Science, University of Queensland
1998 Certificate III Horticulture, Moreton Institute of TAFE
Professional & Industry Responsibilities
2002 to present Qualified Person (ID#1655) for Plant Breeder’s Rights (PBR) testing
2005 to present International Turfgrass Society Member
2008 to 2018 Treasurer, Sports Turf Association Queensland Inc (STA QLD)
2012 to 2014 Scientific Committee Member, 3rd International Conference on Turfgrass Management & Science for Sportsfields, Brisbane Australia
2013 to 2019 Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association Member
2015 to present Sports Turf Managers Association Member
2023 to present Member within the Register of Independent Professional Turfgrass Agronomists (RIPTA)
Cameron joins ASTC as a highly experienced Sports Manager and Administrator with over 12 years in the field both nationally and internationally.
Cameron has worked with numerous schools, sporting clubs, tertiary institutes, National and State Sporting Organizations in the planning, implementation and delivery of best practice sporting projects.
Qualifications
2015 Diploma of Project Management, Global Training Institute
2005 Bachelor of Arts, Sports Studies, University of Queensland
Ryan Tracey
Sports Turf Technician
Cert III Hort Cert IV STM
Ryan is a qualified superintendent and comes to ASTC with over 13 years’ experience in sport turf management, including cricket, golf and lawn bowls.
He has extensive experience in elite stadia, and turf research & development. Ryan holds a Cert IV in Turf Management and Cert III in Horticulture.
Qualifications
Present Graduate Certificate, Agriculture, University of Queensland
2022 to present Certified Irrigation Auditor, Irrigation Australia
2013 Certificate IV, Sports Turf Management, TAFE Queensland
2011 Certificate, III Horticulture
2002 Diploma of Sport Development, TAFE Queensland
Professional Development
2013 to present Sports Turf Association QLD Member
Awards
2013 Sports Turf Association QLD Graduate of the Year
Prue worked for the University of Queensland as an Alumni Engagement Officer for 11 years. Prue started with ASTC in November 2022 to strengthen ASTC’s capabilities in project delivery and engagement.
Publications
To keep abreast of research, development and extension activities being undertaken by Australian Sports Turf Consultants (ASTC), the following drop down menus provide additional information, reports, papers etc.
This includes research results and turf management advice which has been disseminated through scientific and non-referred papers, articles in trade magazines and presentations made at a national and international level.
Contributing Australian Sports Turf Consultants (ASTC) staff include:
Matt Roche, Director.
Selection of Refereed Scientific Papers:
Roche, M.B. & Loch, D.S. (2005) Morphological and Developmental Comparisons of Seven Greens Quality Hybrid Bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. x C. transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] Cultivars. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal, Vol. 10: 627-634.
Roche, M.B., Zeller, L.C., Loch, D.S., Poulter R.E. (2007) Measuring the Traction Profile on Sportsfields: Equipment Development and Testing. Acta Horticulturae (ISHS) 783:399-414.
Loch, D.S., Roche, M.B., Sun-Yue, J., Arief, V., Delacey, I.H., & Lambrides, C.J. (2009) Characterisation of Commercial Cultivars and Naturalized Genotypes of Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze in Australia. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal, Vol. 11: 549-561.
Loch, D.S., Roche, M.B., Sun-Yue, J., Arief, V., Delacey, I.H., & Lambrides, C.J. (2009) Characterisation of Commercial Cultivars and Naturalized Genotypes of Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze in Australia. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal, Vol. 11: 549-561.
Roche, M.B., Loch, D.S., Penberthy, J.D.L., Durant, C.R. & Troughton, A.D. (2009) Factors Contributing to Wear Tolerance of Bermudagrass [ Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., C. dactylon x transvaalensis Burtt-Davey] on a Sand-Based Profile under Simulated Sportsfield Conditions. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal, Vol. 11: 449-459.
Lambrides, C.J., Zhou, Y., Fukai, S., Jewell, M., Loch, D., Godwin, I., Holton, T., Innes, D., Frere, C., Hanna, W., Ye, C., Tran, T. V., Ngo, T., Le, T., Cao, N., Dabbagh, H. A., O’Brien, C., Roche, M., Fullelove, G., Ballard, E., Kearns, R., Pearce, W., Hacker, A., Puachuay, M., Shelton, M., Dalzell, S., Anderson, B., Harris-Shultz, K. & Cremer, J. (2013) EcoTurf- a Case study: Genetic variation and agronomic potential of bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) germplasm collected from Australian biodiversity. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal, Vol. 12: 263-266.
Zhou Yi, Lambrides Christopher J., Roche Matthew B., Duff Alan, Fukai Shu (2013) Temporal and spatial patterns of soil water extraction and drought resistance among genotypes of a perennial C4 grass. Functional Plant Biology, Vol. 40: 379–392.
Loch, D.S., Roche, M.B., Lack, D.W. & Lees, T.W. (2005) TU00011: Chemical Phytotoxicity Testing Facility for Warm-Season Turfgrasses. Final Project Report for Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL). Role in project: Collaborating Scientist.
Loch, D.S., Poulter, R.E., Roche, M.B., Carson, C.J., Lees, T.W., O’Brien, L. & Durant, C.R. (2006) TU02005: Amenity grasses for salt-affected parks in coastal Australia. Final Project Report for Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL). Role in project: Collaborating Scientist.
Roche, M.B., Loch, D.S. & Durant, C.R. (2006) TU04006: Extension of Chemical Phytotoxicity Testing Facility for Warm-Season Turfgrasses. Final Project Report for Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL). Role in project: Project Leader.
McAuliffe, K. & Roche, M. B. (2009) TU06019: Best Use Modelling for Sustainable Australia Sports Field Surfaces. Final Project Report for Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL). Role in project: Senior Technician.
Roche, M.B., Penberthy, J.D. & Bauer, B.K. (2010) TU06008: Extension of Chemical Phytotoxicity Testing Facility for Warm-Season Turfgrasses. Final Project Report for Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL). Role in project: Project Leader.
McAuliffe, K. & Roche, M. B. (2011) TU09039: Developing new innovative technology for benchmarking turf grass performance. Final Project Report for Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL). Role in project: Collaborator.
McAuliffe, K. & Roche, M. B. (2012) TU10015: Ryegrass transitioning in couch turf. Final Project Report for Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL). Role in project: Senior Technician.
Roche, M. B. (2012) TU09002: Improvement and maintenance of turf demonstration plots for national research and extension. Final Project Report for Horticulture Australia Ltd (HAL). Role in project: Project Leader.
Roche, M. (2007) Thatch or fiction. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 9 (6) 44-46. (PDF, 549KB)
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2007) Wear Tolerance Studies on Bermudagrass at Redlands Research Station. New Zealand Turf Management Journal 22 (4) 22-26.
Roche, M.B. (2008) Loch scales down QDPI&F research role. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 10 (2) 56. (PDF, 171KB)
Roche, M.B. (2008) Project to BUMP up sports field surface quality. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 10 (4) 82-83. (PDF, 298KB)
Roche, M.B. (2008) PBR’s vital role in turfgrass future. TurfCraft International. 121 Jul-Aug. 54-56.
Roche, M.B. (2008) Modelling for sustainable sportsfields. TurfCraft International. 121 Jul-Aug. 13.
Roche, M.B. (2009) Grass roots promotes wear trial. TurfCraft International. 125 Mar-Apr. 30-32.
Roche, M.B. (2009) The ‘rights’ stuff. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 11 (3) 48-49. (PDF, 303KB)
Roche, M.B. (2009) Warm-Season Greens Grass Trial Field Day – May 9. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal. 11 (4) 66.
Roche, M. B. (2010) Grass roots wear and tear. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 12 (2) 40-43. (PDF, 545KB)
Roche, M.B., Penberthy, J. & Neylan, J. (2010) Management guidelines for new warm-season grasses. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 12 (3) 62-64.
Roche, M.B. (2010). Study documents turf wear. The Redland Times, Friday May 28, p. 11.
Roche, M.B. (2010) Tough turf put to the test, My Sunshine Coast, General News, 1/12/2010.
Roche, M.B. (2010) Tough turf put to the test, Bayside Bulletin, 14/12/2010, General News, Page 50.
Roche, M.B. (2011) DEEDI wear tolerance trials extended. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 13 (2) 42-43. (PDF, 346KB)
Roche, M.B. (2012) Redlands turf research collection. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 14 (1) 48. (PDF, 570KB)
Roche, M.B. and Penberthy, J.D. (2012) Community Sportsfield Wear Trial Update. TurfCraft International . 143 Mar-Apr. 38-41.
Roche, M.B. (2012) Warm-season wear trials wind up. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 14 (3) 68-730. (PDF, 765KB)
Roche, M.B. (2012) Turf tested in the tropics. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 14 (5) 54-57 (PDF, 713KB)
Roche, M.B. (2012) Playing on solid ground. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 14 (5) 58-59. (PDF, 420KB)
Roche, M.B. (2012) Wear tolerance tested on fields. TurfCraft International. 146 Sep-Oct. pp. 58-59.
Roche, M.B. (2012) Turf performance compared in the tropics. TurfCraft International. 146 Sep-Oct. pp. 59 & 62.
Roche, M.B. (2013). Redlands era comes to an end. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 15 (1) 50-51. (PDF, 383KB)
Roche, M.B. (2013). Redlands work ends, future good. TurfCraft International. 148 Jan-Feb. pp. 55-56.
Roche, M.B. (2019). On the right wicket. Australian Turfgrass Management Journal 20 (4) 64-65. (PDF, 217 KB)
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2007) Shade and Wear Tolerance Studies on Turfgrasses at Redlands Research Station. 23rd Australian Turfgrass Conference, Cairns pp. 108-112.
Roche, M.B. (2009) Best Use Modelling for Sustainable Sports Field Surfaces in Australia. 25th Australian Turfgrass Conference, Hobart. pp. 97-100.
Roche, M. B. (2010). Australian Warm-Season Greens Grass Trial. Sustainable Turfgrass Management in Asia, Pattaya. pp. 49-130.
Roche, M. B. (2010). Turfgrass Management Options for Greens Quality Cynodon Hybrid and Seashore Paspalum Grasses on the basis of Trial Work undertaken in Australia. Sustainable Turfgrass Management in Asia, Pattaya. pp. 131-162.
Roche, M. B. (2010). Turf and Sports Injury – Associated Problems and Preventative Measures. Turf 10 National Turf Conference, Trade Expo and Race Day, Hawkesbury. pp. 4-8.
Roche, M.B. (2010). Background to the approved beneficial Cynodon spp. vegetative cultivars within Australia. 26th Australian Turfgrass Conference, Gold Coast pp. 98-120.
Roche, M.B. (2013).Traffic Tolerance of Warm-Season Turfgrasses under Community Sportsfield Conditions. 29th Australian Turfgrass Conference, Sunshine Coast, in press.Roche, M., Penberthy, J.D. & O’Brien, (2013). Use of trinexapac‐ethyl to reduce mowing requirements of warm‐season grasses in sub‐tropical Australia. 12thInternational Turfgrass Society Research Conference, Beijing, pp. 829-830.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2003). Paspalum vaginatum Swartz, Seashore Paspalum ‘SeaIsle 1’. Plant Varieties Journal 16 (2): 64.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2003). Paspalum vaginatum Swartz, Seashore Paspalum ‘Sea Isle 2000’. Plant Varieties Journal 16 (2): 65.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2003). Paspalum vaginatum Swartz, Seashore Paspalum ‘TFWA02’. Plant Varieties Journal 16 (2): 65.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2003). Cynodon dactylon Green Couch Grass, Bermuda Grass ‘Hatfield’. Plant Varieties Journal 16 (4):219-222.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2003). Cynodon dactylon Green Couch Grass, Bermuda Grass ‘JT1’. Plant Varieties Journal 16 (4):252-255.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2003). Cynodon transvaalensis x Cynodon dactylon Hybrid Green Couch Grass, Hybrid Bermuda Grass ‘MS-Supreme’. Plant Varieties Journal 16 (4):299-302.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2003). Zoysia japonica Zoysia Grass ‘Palisades’. Plant Varieties Journal 16 (4):395-397.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2003). Cynodon transvaalensis x Cynodon dactylon Hybrid Green Couch Grass, Hybrid Bermuda Grass ‘TL2’. Plant Varieties Journal 16 (4):407-410.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2003). Cynodon dactylon Green Couch Grass‘TL1’. Plant Varieties Journal 16 (4):412-415.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2004). Cynodon dactylon Green Couch Grass ‘Oz-E-Green’. Plant Varieties Journal 17 (1): 497-499.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2004). Stenotaphrum secundatum Buffalo Grass ‘Sir James’. Plant Varieties Journal 17 (1): 535-538.
Roche, M.B. & Loch, D.S. (2006) Cynodon dactylon Green Couch Grass, Bermuda Grass ‘Grand Prix’. Plant Varieties Journal 18 (4): 96-104.
Roche, M.B. & Loch, D.S. (2006) Cynodon dactylon Green Couch Grass, Bermuda Grass ‘Winter Gem’. Plant Varieties Journal 18 (4): 105-110.
Roche, M.B. & Loch, D.S. (2007). Cynodon transvaalensis x Cynodon dactylon Hybrid Green Couch Grass, Hybrid Bermuda Grass ‘P18’. Plant Varieties Journal 20 (3): 156-161.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2007). Stenotaphrum secundatum Buffalo Grass ‘TF01’. Plant Varieties Journal 20 (4): 45, 141-150.
Roche, M.B. & Loch, D.S. (2008) Cynodon transvaalensis x Cynodon dactylon Hybrid Green Couch Grass, Hybrid Bermuda Grass ‘AGRD’. Plant Varieties Journal 21 (1): 140-144.
Roche, M.B. & Loch, D.S. (2008) Paspalum vaginatum Swartz, Seashore Paspalum ‘SDX-1’. Plant Varieties Journal 21 (1): 291-299.
Roche, M.B. & Loch, D.S. (2008) Paspalum vaginatum Swartz, Seashore Paspalum ‘SI98’. Plant Varieties Journal 21 (1) 284-291.
Loch, D.S. & Roche, M.B. (2008) Chloris gayana, Rhodes Grass ‘KP4’. Plant Varieties Journal 21 (1): 202-206.
Roche, M.B. (2008) Zoysia matrella, Manila Grass ‘A-1’. Plant Varieties Journal 21 (1): 382-386.
Roche, M.B. (2010) Sporobolus virginicus, Sand Couch ‘QLD-Coast’. Plant Varieties Journal 23 (2) 95, 303-308.
Roche, M.B. (2010) Cynodon dactylon, Green Couch ‘Gullygold’. Plant Varieties Journal 23 (2) 57,169-173.
Roche, M.B. (2013) Stenotaphrum secundatum Buffalo Grass ‘TBLL’. Plant Varieties Journal 25 (4) 61, 211-216.
Roche, M.B. (2015) Cynodon dactylon Green Couch ‘UQ-490’. Plant Varieties Journal 28 (2) 55, 138-142.
Roche, M.B. (2015) Cynodon dactylon Green Couch ‘UQ-539’. Plant Varieties Journal 28 (2) 57, 148-152.
Roche, M.B. (2015) Cynodon dactylon Green Couch ‘UQ-545’. Plant Varieties Journal 28 (2) 56, 143-147.
Roche, M.B. (2015) Leucaena pallida x Leucaena leucocephala Leucaena ‘BL-12’. Plant Varieties Journal 28 (2) 82, 262-265.
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