After a 29-year career with the utility, Shoalhaven Water Director, Rob Horner, has announced his retirement.
Mr Horner joined Shoalhaven Water as a civil engineer in 1996, rising through the ranks to become Director in 2019. During his five-year tenure as Director, Mr Horner 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 was responsible for the design and construction of 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 such as the Milton Water Treatment Plant and Porters Creek Dam upgrade.
Mr Horner said that winning the IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water in NSW/ACT competitions in 2019 and 2022 were career highlights and worthy recognition of Shoalhaven Water’s operators and attendants.
“I’m proud of the high-quality water and wastewater services we provide for the community, particularly managing in excess of $2 billion in assets that supports a growing population of around 110,000 people and the millions of visitors to the region each year,” he 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.
“I’ve seen a lot of progress, a lot of change and a lot of weather over my time and with each challenge we’ve become a more adaptable and resilient water manager.”
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, as they set the foundation for Shoalhaven Water to further develop as a leading water utility.
Shoalhaven Water Acting CEO, James Ruprai, said Mr Horner would leave a legacy of efficiency, strategic direction and the creation of 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 New South Wales 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.
“Rob’s move into retirement at the end of a long and distinguished career is well-deserved and on behalf and 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 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 more recently 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), upgrade of Bamarang WTP, design and construction of 600mm diameter 20km-long pipeline from Bamarang to Bewong, 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 determined by a panel of water industry leaders.
Mr Horner’s last day in the office is on Friday 17 January 2025.
Featured image: outgoing Shoalhaven Water Director, Rob Horner. Image: Shoalhaven City Council.
