Idea proves grass is greener

By Callan Date
THE grass is definitely greener on the side of Terry Lobjoit.
The Narre Warren businessman is turning heads everywhere he goes with his Holden car covered in artificial grass, and it is doing wonders for his work.
Mr Lobjoit is South-East sales manager for First and Last Smart Grass, a company proving to be a big winner when it comes to the continuing drought.
No watering, no mowing and little maintenance is the catch-cry for the green rubber material dubbed Smart Grass.
Mr Lobjoit said he has been flat out since harsher Stage 3 water restrictions were introduced on 1 January.
“I’ve been doing almost two quotes a day and fielding much the same again in just telephone inquiries,” Mr Lobjoit said.
He has also been busy posing for photos and taking questions from intrigued and bemused onlookers.
“The reaction to the car is just awesome. A lot of people recognise me driving around the local area and people are always hanging out of their car taking pictures of my car when I drive past,” he said.
Mr Lobjoit said the demand for the drought-tolerant product had come both from residential and business customers.
Under Stage 3 restrictions, lawns cannot be watered unless recycled or tank water is used.
“What I’m dealing with is primarily new home owners and those existing home owners who have put turf in and it has died on them,” Mr Lobjoit said. “Kinders, schools and creches have also had the product installed in their playgrounds.”
Mr Lobjoit said the product had been on the market for seven months and had been thoroughly tested by CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation).
“It has been successfully tested for 10 things including heat resistance, degradation and fading. It also comes with a seven-year manufacturer’s warranty,” Mr Lobjoit said.
He said the Smart Grass was laid on a prepared crushed rock surface and required the occasional rake or sweep to keep clean.
“It will last for 20 years,” he said.
The product costs $121 per square metre installed or $70 per square metre uninstalled.
For more information about Smart Grass contact Mr Lobjoit on 0448 566 900 or visit www.smartgrass.com.au