Liverpool City Council has given the green light to explore commercial opportunities from its award-winning circular economy program, backing a $100,000 case study to turn local waste innovation into long-term benefits for residents.
Mayor Ned Mannoun said the decision positions Liverpool as a national leader in smart sustainability: proving environmental responsibility and strong financial management go hand in hand.
“Liverpool is showing that waste doesn’t have to be a cost burden, it can be a resource,” Mayor Mannoun said. This is about thinking smarter, protecting ratepayers, and making sure innovation delivers real returns for our community.”
Council’s circular economy work has already earned national recognition, winning the Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Award for Circular Economy in both 2024 and 2025. Partnerships with the University of New South Wales have demonstrated how waste materials can be transformed into new products, including green ceramics suitable for use in Council infrastructure projects.
Mayor Mannoun said the next step is to carefully and responsibly assess how that innovation could be scaled.
“We’ve moved beyond theory and pilot projects,” he said. “Now we’re doing the hard, responsible work, examining how these ideas could be commercialised safely, transparently and in the public interest.”
The approved case study will examine governance, risk, finance and legal structures, including whether a separate entity could better manage any future commercial activity. Any such move would still require further Council and Ministerial approval.
Crucially, no decision has been made to establish a company or sell products at this stage.
“This is not a leap of faith, it’s a measured step forward,” Mayor Mannoun said.
“We owe it to residents to do the homework properly before making any major decision.”
Council’s circular economy program is already delivering local benefits, including two fully funded apprenticeships supported by Local Government NSW, creating skills and jobs without placing pressure on Council’s operating budget.
Mayor Mannoun said commercialisation could help reduce future costs and ease reliance on other income sources, including domestic waste charges.
“If we can lower procurement costs, create local jobs and reduce landfill at the same time, that’s a win for Liverpool households,” he said.
“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking leadership growing cities need.”
The case study will be undertaken over approximately six months, with findings to be reported back to Council for further consideration.
“Liverpool is leading the way in circular economy innovation,” Mayor Mannoun said.
“We’re not just talking about sustainability, we’re building it into how the city operates, plans and grows.”
