Members of both the Golf Course Superintendents Association of Queensland (GCSAQ) and the Sports Turf Association of Queensland (STAQ) voted overwhelmingly in favour of merging at their recent meetings in November. The GCSAQ held a Special General Meeting on November 21, following the STAQ members also voting in favour of the merger the week before.

The landmark decision now enables the formation of the newly named Queensland Sports Turf Managers Association (QSTMA), marking a new chapter for sports turf management in Queensland. Representatives of both committees will now commence working through the transition planning for the new association, and will provide members with progress updates over the coming weeks.

“On behalf of GCSAQ, I extend my sincere thanks to our members for their continued support and commitment to the growth of the profession," Keith Johnson, president of the GCSAQ said on social media after the vote. "I would also like to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the GCSAQ committee members, who have navigated this complex change with vision and professionalism,

“We also wish to thank the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association (ASTMA) for their guidance and support throughout the merger process, which has been invaluable in helping us achieve this outcome. We look forward with enthusiasm to the opportunities ahead as part of the QSTMA, working collaboratively to strengthen the future of sports turf management in Queensland.”

STAQ president Dominic Pelusi believes the merger is beneficial for the sports turf industry in Queensland to move forward into the future. “I believe that the merger between STAQ and the GCSAQ represents a significant step forward for Queensland’s sports turf industry,” Pelusi said. “Both associations share the same values, and the merger will be a great chance to create a stronger unified voice to represent our industry.

"I also believe that the merger will increase efficiency and better utilise resources for our members and sponsors through hosting combined educational and trade days. I would also like to thank and acknowledge my committee for their dedication, passionate and hard-work throughout this merger process.”

The formation of QSTMA will provide an enhanced platform to support professionals across all sporting and recreational turf facilities, promoting best practice, professional development, and advocacy for the industry.

Story: Nick Creely/Photo: Dean Hardman