Shoalhaven Water Director, Rob Horner, has announced his retirement after a long and distinguished 29-year career with Council’s water utility.
Mr Horner joined Shoalhaven Water as a civil engineer in 1996 and became its Director in 2019. During his five-year tenure as Director, he led the organisation through the destructive Currowan bushfires and some of the worst flooding on the south coast in 30 years.
As a project manager, Mr Horner designed and constructed Lake Tabourie, Conjola/Bendalong, Currarong, and Kangaroo Valley sewerage schemes, which removed old septic tank systems from properties. He also delivered major water supply projects like the Milton Water Treatment Plant and Porters Creek Dam upgrade.
He said winning the best-tasting water in NSW/ACT competitions in 2019 and 2022 were career highlights and worthy recognition for our operators and attendants.
“I’m proud of the high-quality water and wastewater services we provide for the community, particularly managing more than $2 billion in assets that support a growing population of around 110,000 people and the millions of visitors to the region each year,” Mr Horner said.
“Shoalhaven Water has a history of achievement, providing world-class tap water and most recently winning the highly regarded Sam Samra Award in 2023 for excellence in water management,” he said.
“I’ve seen a lot of progress, change, and weather over my time, and with each challenge, we’ve become more adaptable and resilient water managers.”
Mr Horner praised the Shoalhaven Water team for their passion and commitment to service delivery and said residents were in capable hands after his departure. He also thanked previous Directors Carmel Krogh and John Gould for their mentorship and guidance, which helped Shoalhaven Water develop into a leading water utility.
Acting CEO, James Ruprai said Mr Horner would leave a legacy of efficiency, strategic direction and creating a high-performing team within Shoalhaven Water.
“Rob’s working career spans 40 years, with the past 34 in the water industry, and he is widely respected by his peers across the NSW and Australian water industry,” Mr Ruprai said.
“He will be sorely missed not just for his knowledge of our water and sewerage systems, infrastructure and the day-to-day operations, but for his natural leadership skills that have created a professional and positive team culture,” he said.
“Rob’s move into retirement at the end of a long and distinguished career is well-deserved, and on behalf of Shoalhaven City Council and the Councillors, we wish him all the best.”
Mr Horner’s key achievements over almost 30 years include:
- The project management of Shoalhaven’s well-renowned and multi-award-winning Reclaimed Water Management Scheme (REMS). It included major upgrades to St Georges Basin Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP), Huskisson/Vincentia STP, Callala STP, Culburra STP, and Nowra and Bomaderry STPs.
- Delivering major sewerage projects such as the Lake Tabourie Sewerage Scheme, Conjola Regional Sewerage Scheme, Currarong Sewerage Scheme and Kangaroo Valley Sewerage Scheme.
- Managing several major water supply projects, such as the Milton Water Treatment Plant (WTP), the upgrade of Bamarang WTP, the design and construction of a 600mm diameter 20km long pipeline from Bamarang to Bewong, and the Porters Creek Dam upgrade.
- Progressing the water supply system for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT), which will connect JBT to the Shoalhaven City Council water network.
- Environmental and engineering awards for projects delivered, particularly for REMS.
- Winning the Sam Samra Award in 2023 for Excellence in Water Management. This award is not self-nomination but is determined by a panel of water industry leaders.
Rob Horner’s last office day is Friday, 17 January 2025.