Gosnells Earns Prestigious IPWEA Awards for Environmental Excellence and Park Redevelopment
The City of Gosnells has been celebrated with two significant awards from the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) at the 2026 ceremony. These accolades highlight the city's dedication to sustainability and a major park upgrade project.
Dual Recognition for Environmental and Infrastructure Achievements
One award acknowledges excellence in environment and sustainability, specifically for the sustainable Gosnells project. The other is a highly commended IPWEA best public works project, valued between $2 million and $5 million, awarded for the $3.5 million upgrades at Mary Carroll Park.
Mayor Teresa Lynes expressed pride in the Mary Carroll Park project, stating it has created opportunities for residents of all ages to connect with and learn about the park's unique wetlands environment. She emphasized that the upgrade helps protect this natural area for future generations.
Features of the Mary Carroll Park Redevelopment
The park now boasts several key amenities designed for inclusivity and community engagement:
- The largest all-abilities playground in Gosnells, featuring a giant gilgie play structure.
- Noongar six seasons spinners and a flying fox for interactive play.
- A pedestrian bridge spanning the wetlands for enhanced accessibility.
- Accessible public toilets, changerooms, picnic areas, and a community yarning circle.
Sustainability Action Plan Driving Environmental Progress
Throughout the park development, the city prioritized environmental considerations, aligning with its broader sustainability action plan. This plan focuses on improving areas such as biodiversity, energy use, infrastructure, transport, waste management, and water conservation across Gosnells.
Mayor Lynes noted that the IPWEA award recognition celebrates the city's coordinated approach to responsible resource use. She highlighted that this award reinforces the city's commitment to the environment and empowers teams to deliver projects with meaningful sustainable outcomes.
Tangible Results from Sustainability Initiatives
Since adopting the sustainability action plan in 2023, Gosnells has achieved notable environmental improvements:
- Corporate emissions have been reduced by 37 percent, despite population growth and increased demand on infrastructure and services.
- Tree planting and solar generation have seen significant increases over the past three years.
- Non-recyclable waste has been successfully diverted from landfill, contributing to waste reduction efforts.
The city's framework for monitoring progress and collecting data ensures continued development and accountability in its sustainability goals.
