Liverpool Council has just swept up two wins at this year’s Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Awards. Known for its innovative approaches, the Council’s recent recognition showcases not just its environmental stewardship but also its deep respect for heritage.
One of the projects that helped Liverpool shine was “The Croc,” an enormous mattress-shredding machine designed to tackle one of the more unsightly issues councils face: abandoned mattresses. The Croc grabbed the Circular Economy Award, offering a fresh solution to an ongoing waste problem that burdens many councils. What makes this win particularly impactful is the ripple effect it’s already having. The machine is catching the eye of councils around Australia, fast becoming a go-to solution for others looking to reduce landfill waste and save costs.
Liverpool’s Mayor Ned Mannoun highlighted the benefits of The Croc, explaining that this machine is more than just a piece of innovative technology—it’s also a massive cost-saver. “It’s not often that a project like this ticks so many boxes,” Mayor Mannoun said. “We’ve cut down tipping costs by an estimated $500,000 a year while contributing to a cleaner, greener future. The beauty is anyone with bulk mattresses can come to Liverpool, and we’ll process them for $30 a unit.”
The Council isn’t stopping at just providing a local solution. As Mayor Mannoun pointed out, partnerships with organisations like Cleanaway and ResourceCo are helping The Croc achieve an impressive 96% recovery rate for the materials processed. This figure places Liverpool in an elite group, officially accredited as a mattress recycling facility under the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council’s program. That’s quite a feat, considering how many councils around the country struggle with waste management in this area.
For Liverpool, it’s all about providing effective solutions that don’t just benefit local residents but offer viable models for other municipalities. “There’s no need for procurements or external partnerships,” Mayor Mannoun emphasised. “Councils can work with councils, staying compliant with the Local Government Act, and we’re showing how it’s done.”
Beyond waste management, Liverpool Council’s second award was a nod to its commitment to preserving its historical roots. The Liverpool Pioneers Memorial Park project won the Heritage and Culture Award. This site, one of Sydney’s earliest cemeteries, has a history dating back to the early 1800s. It serves as the final resting place for pioneers, First Fleet members, and World War I servicemen, providing a tangible connection to Australia’s past. As Councillor Mannoun explained, the park holds significance for many, having served as the primary burial ground for a large portion of society from 1821 to the mid-20th century.
One of the key aspects of the project was the creation of a Remembrance Garden in collaboration with the Office of Australian War Graves. The garden provides a permanent place of recognition for about 48 World War I servicemen who were buried there but had their headstones removed in the 1960s. The restoration of this space is more than just a physical project; it’s about restoring a sense of dignity and respect for those who sacrificed their lives.
“We’re proud to have worked with the Office of Australian War Graves on this,” said Mayor Mannoun. “Together, we’ve brought this project to fruition, offering a space where these servicemen are once again honoured.”
These wins mark the latest in a string of successes for Liverpool Council, which has been steadily racking up awards for its commitment to both innovation and tradition. While other councils might focus on getting the day-to-day tasks done, Liverpool is showing how those tasks can be tackled with excellence.
“We have a strong track record of delivering results for our residents and ratepayers,” Mayor Mannoun noted. “We’re not just ticking boxes; we’re creating innovative solutions that benefit the wider community.”
One of the most recent highlights for Liverpool is the recognition of its Yellamundie Library and Art Gallery. Over the weekend, it was declared a global finalist in the World’s Best Library Award, securing second place behind China’s $300 million National Library in Beijing. The fact that Yellamundie was the only Australian library shortlisted speaks volumes about the calibre of projects coming out of Liverpool.
Liverpool’s ability to balance forward-thinking initiatives like The Croc with the preservation of its cultural heritage has not gone unnoticed. Last year, the council took home the award for Litter Prevention and Clean Waterways at the same Sustainable Cities event. Additionally, its marketing strategy for the ‘Experience the World’ festivals was recognised by Multicultural NSW, earning the 2023 Business Campaign Award. More recently, it won The Premier’s 2024 Business Excellence Local Government Medal for its efforts in supporting Liverpool’s diverse local community.
What stands out most is how Liverpool consistently finds new ways to improve both its environmental impact and the overall experience of living in the city. These accolades are not just shiny objects to put on a shelf. They serve as proof that the council’s methods are working, making a tangible difference in the community.
With The Croc now poised to be adopted by more councils and the Pioneers Memorial Park offering a lasting tribute to the city’s history, Liverpool’s future looks promising. The combination of cutting-edge solutions and a respect for the past is a formula that’s clearly working for the city. As Mayor Mannoun summed up, “We’re creating better ways of doing things—not just for Liverpool, but for others to follow.”
Liverpool Council’s recent haul of awards is a testament to its success. Whether it’s shredding mattresses to reduce landfill or restoring a historical site, this council is proving that local government can be about more than just administration—it can be a force for real change. And with this momentum, it’s likely that the wins will keep coming.
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