Team structure
The organisational structure of Rous.
Five groups under the general manager
Rous has five groups – Planning and Delivery, People and Community, Technology and Performance, Operations, and Finance and Commercial. Each group is made up of various teams and is led by a manager who reports into the General Manager.
Working together to take care of what matters
Rous is organised into five groups led by a manager who work collaboratively with the general manager. Each group consists of smaller, dedicated teams who own different areas of accountability to ensure we work efficiently to take care of what matters for the Northern Rivers region.
The Planning and Delivery group is made up of five teams working to plan and deliver a bright future for the Northern Rivers.
Catchment and cultural awareness
The team working to regenerate the land and waterways in our drinking water catchments. Working closely with local communities, landholders and stakeholders, they lead projects including planning, catchment studies, revegetation, and weed control across private and public lands. Rous and the Widjabul traditional custodians have been working together since 2003, along with Sustainable Futures Australia to maintain healthy catchment areas. Rous has also implemented a Reconciliation Action Plan.
Strategic planning
Rous is actively taking steps to increase the use of renewable energy and reduce emissions. The 2023 Renewable Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan outlines the actions we’re taking to meet our 2050 emissions reduction targets.
Rous is comfortably on track to meet the 70% emissions reduction by 2035 and 100 per cent by 2050 targets.
The emissions reduction targets are:
- Council to target zero emissions by 2050 (in line with State Government and Federal Government targets)
- Council to target 70 per cent emissions reduction by 2035 compared to baseline period (2005 -2017)
- Council to seek to increase the proportion of renewable electricity where cost effective to do so.
The future activities identified to reduce emissions and hit our targets include:
- Installation of solar PV and battery energy storage systems (BESS)
- Transitioning to energy efficient fleet and outdoor equipment
- Inclusion of emissions reduction infrastructure in all new capital projects
- Ongoing revegetation and tree planting initiatives.
Capital program
The Capital Program team delivers infrastructure projects for Rous that support resilient and reliable water services for the community. Working in partnership with Strategic Planning and Operational teams, they manage projects from design through to completion, including watermain upgrades, dam safety works, and the delivery of new water supply infrastructure that will continue to meet our community’s needs, now and into the future.
Future water project
The Rous Future Water Project 2060 identifies new water supply sources to ensure long-term water supply security for the region. Water security is a strong focus for Rous and means ensuring a sustainable and reliable supply of safe drinking water to supports people’s health, livelihoods and the future growth of the region.
Project administration
The team running a range of educational programs in our community to reduce water consumption and encourage water conservation. We run programs for businesses, schools, and the community.
General community programs
A dedicated Community Engagement Officer is working to educate and empower residents to use water more sustainably. Working collaboratively is an important step in addressing regional water demand and building a water-wise community.
School programs
A Regional Water Education Officer runs education programs in schools across the Northern Rivers. They work to empower students to preserve water and understand their role in conservation. She also visits community events to share information and tips about water conservation.
Businesses programs
The Sustainable Water Partner Program educates local businesses on how to reduce their water consumption (and costs) by optimising water use and reducing their impact on our region’s water supply.
The People and Community group is made up of six teams working to ensure Rous runs effectively and efficiently.
Governance and risk
In 2016, the NSW Government made it a requirement to have an Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) with full compliance required from 2022. Rous has implemented the supporting set of statutory regulations and mandatory guidelines, which came into effect in 2024, outlining the requirements of a council’s ARIC and establishing an internal audit function and the risk management requirements of a council.
Safety and environment
The Health, Safety and Environment team sets and maintains compliant workplace standards, supports day-to-day operations through incident response and investigations, and manages systems that monitor, report and ensure safety and environmental compliance and performance.
The team monitors industry trends to identify emerging risks early, coaches leaders and staff to embed a leader-led “safety first” culture, and drives continuous improvement so safety and environmental protection are built naturally into everyday business planning and activities.
People and culture
The people and culture team help Rous staff achieve success throughout their entire time with Rous. Their responsibilities include:
- Culture
- Recruitment/offboarding
- Talent management
- Employee engagement
- Employee benefits
- Learning and development
The Technology and Performance group is facilitating our relocation from Lismore to Ballina ensuring we have appropriate IT systems and operational necessities. The Technology and performance team is made up of the Change and Innovation team and a dedicated People and Change team to improve our people processes, integrate new work practices, and ensure a smooth transition for our workforce.
ICT and records
The information, communications and technology (ICT) team support business systems and staff to ensure smooth and efficient daily operations so that Rous can continue taking care of what matters.
Operational efficiency
Our team is dedicated to optimising operations through the implementation of technology. We manage and maintain critical systems that support the council’s activities, ensuring that all operations are running smoothly and efficiently.
Technology infrastructure
We oversee a robust and secure technology infrastructure that plays a critical role in Rous’ operations. From end user devices, applications and mobility solutions to wide area networks, server infrastructure and data storage solutions, our ICT team ensures that the council has a reliable technology environment.
Service delivery
Our ICT department plays a pivotal role in service delivery, providing the necessary technological support to Rous staff to ensure that services are delivered effectively.
Support and maintenance
Our team provides support and proactive maintenance to prevent disruptions and ensure that the council’s operations are uninterrupted
Digital transformation strategy
In 2023, Rous launched Project Novus – a comprehensive digital transformation program designed to replace outdated business applications with integrated digital technologies and improved, simplified business processes across the organisation.
The Operations group is made up of five teams working to ensure operational success across Rous’ water, biosecurity, and flood work.
Dams and treatment
The team ensuring our water is safely captured, treated, and delivered throughout the Northern Rivers. Rous has two treatment plants – the Nightcap Water Treatment Plant and the Emigrant Creek Dam Water Treatment Plant – where all Rous water is treated to meet Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
Rous conducts routine testing of both drinking water supplies and environmental samples from our source water catchments. And in 2023, Rous won the prestigious IXOM Best Tasting Tap Water competition (New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory).
Weed biosecurity and bush regeneration
The Weed biosecurity team works to prevent and contain new weeds from establishing in our region, manages the impacts of widespread invasive weed species, and helps empower our community to help protect biodiversity.
The Bush regeneration team works to remove weeds and replant key areas with native plants and trees. They’ve been working on the Fosters Spur bush regeneration project – an ambitious 10-year plan to restore 40 hectares (100 acres) of giant weed infestations and degraded land adjacent to Rocky Creek Dam and Nightcap National Park. 50,000 native seedlings will be planted to establish a biodiverse, self-sustaining, sub-tropical rainforest that helps improve water quality, public amenity and ecological benefits.
Rural flood mitigation
Rous manages the rural flood mitigation measures for the Richmond River floodplain and its communities. They manage 80km of levees, 750 floodgates, and 180km of drains to reduce inundation and divert flood water.
Distribution engineering
The team working to ensure the integrity and reliability of Rous’ water network. They manage the maintenance, repair, and improvement of the infrastructure that carries the drinking water from the Treatment Plants to our communities.
In 2021, Rous purchased 57 Gallans Road, Ballina, NSW. The property will provide an integrated administration and works depot complex, Council chambers and public meeting space with exciting opportunities for enhanced community engagement. The Relocation and Properties team are taking care of Rous’ relocation to our new office spaces in Ballina by working with various town planning, architectural and building consultants to finalise plans.
The team also looks after Rous’ owned properties, including progressing the development of Perradenya Estate. They are currently undertaking a strategic review of outstanding development conditions to inform the investment of resources to finalise the estate.
Finance
Rous’ financial performance is aligned with its focus on continued long-term financial sustainability. Quarterly budget review statements are used to monitor financial performance and make adjustments to account for the changing conditions and requirements identified throughout the year. The long-term financial plan is reviewed annually to ensure short-term needs are considered against long-term sustainability. As a result, Rous remains in a strong financial position with cash and investments at satisfactory levels to ensure that all current liabilities can be met when due.
Brand and engagement
The Brand engagement team was formed in 2021 after an organisation resourcing and structure review. The team is responsible for Rous’ internal and external communications, engagement, and brand awareness. In 2025, the team launched Rous’ new branding, a new website to improve access to and clarity of information and a comprehensive marketing strategy.
Procurement and Facilities
The Procurement and Facilities team is responsible for delivering various procurement activities and managing facilities, including grounds, fleet operations, stores, and inventory functions. The team are working to ensure operational efficiency and compliance with financial procedures, legislation, and policies.
Customer and accounts
Rous’ Customer and accounts team are dedicated to providing a excellent customer service and managing core financial transaction accounts and administrative functions for the organisation.
