Council management hope a new premium synthetic grass product will have the look of grass, but the low maintenance of concrete.

Artificial grass is a relatively new concept in Australia for public applications.

However, in America and Canada, it has been used with great success for many years.

The trial will take place in very specific areas, including road blisters, concrete pathways, medians, traffic islands and roundabouts.

The trial will work with an area of 250 to 350 square metres of the product, testing to see its reliability in the environment.

The project, in total, could cost up to $24,000,

depending upon the amount installed, according to provided figures.

“Concrete is approximately $65 a square metre laid, paving $75 a square metre laid and synthetic grass $70 a square metre laid,” Mr Bennett reported to the council.

“It is a great landscape substitute for the negative

environmental impacts concrete can have in public areas.

“Concrete does little to create a pleasant place when used en masse.”

“Artificial grass offers rich organic colour and a

perfectly manicured appearance to any area.

“Artificial lawn can stand up to harsh conditions and is non flammable.”

The idea – and especially the low cost associated with maintenance - gained support from councillors such Rob Watt.

“We don’t have to water artificial grass, as far as I’m aware, nor do we have to mow it,” he said.

In fact, he said, he noted areas around the skate park that were showing wear and tear and hoped the trial could be extended to include it.

Landscapers started installing the product this week across the town.