Rous thanks NSW Government and NSW Public Works for delivering key water infrastructure projects in Northern Rivers

22 September 2025

Rous County Council (Rous) extends its gratitude to NSW Public Works for the successful delivery of four significant projects across its water network, restoring damaged infrastructure and reinforcing the resilience of its drinking water services for the Northern Rivers community.  

The four projects were funded by the Northern Rivers Water and Wastewater Repair and Recovery Program, which is a $145 million NSW Government initiative to restore essential water and wastewater infrastructure damaged by the 2022 floods. The program is fully funded by the NSW Government, administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and delivered by NSW Public Works in partnership with local water authorities, including Rous.

Photo caption: Representatives from Rous, including Cr Robert Mustow Rous Chair, NSW Public Works, NSW Reconstruction Authority and Ledonne Constructions, at the new flood-resilient water treatment building at Woodburn.

The recently completed projects will help to strengthen Rous’ water network – now and into the future – for the benefit of the Northern Rivers community.
 
Two of the projects addressed major landslips caused by extreme weather events, which impacted critical water mains on Rous’ network.
 
At Dorroughby, a landslip adjacent to the St Helena water main jeopardised the $29 million major pipeline. A $1.7 million grant enabled slope reconstruction and drainage improvements to stabilise and protect the pipeline.
 
The 2022 floods caused a landslip in Wyrallah that damaged a key water main supplying the Richmond Valley region. The $769,000 project, delivered through the 2022 Flood Recovery Program, replaced 150 metres of pipeline with more resilient materials to better withstand future extreme weather events.
 
Further infrastructure upgrades included the elevation of the Wilsons River Pump Station, part of a $415,000 project to improve flood resilience. A new electrical switchboard and associated equipment were installed, replacing flood-damaged components. Rous will soon install new access stairs to complete the upgrade.
 
At Woodburn, an irreparably damaged reservoir was removed, and a flood-resilient water treatment building was constructed, and key pipe sections, valves and valve pits replaced. This $1.5 million project forms part of Rous’ Future Water Project focused on redeveloping the Woodburn groundwater supply scheme to ensure safe, sustainable and affordable water during extended dry periods.

Representatives from Rous, including Cr Robert Mustow Rous Chair, NSW Public Works, NSW Reconstruction Authority and Ledonne Constructions gathered on Friday 19 September 2025 to celebrate the completed works at Woodburn – highlighting the strong collaboration and focus on delivering essential services for the Northern Rivers community.
 
The successful delivery of these four projects is a testament to the partnership Rous has with NSW Public Works, according to Andrew Logan, Group Manager Planning and Delivery.
 
“We are grateful for the expertise and commitment shown by the teams involved,” said Andrew Logan.
 
“These projects not only restore vital infrastructure that was damaged during extreme weather events, but also help to strengthen our region’s water network for the future.”
   
Rous General Manager, Phillip Rudd, added: “These works reflect our commitment to building a more resilient and reliable water network for the communities we serve.
 
“We thank the NSW Reconstruction Authority for recognising the importance of funding these projects, and NSW Public Works for their support in delivering them.”
 
The four projects are now complete, representing a step forward in strengthening the Northern Rivers’ water infrastructure and helping to ensure Rous continues to provide clean, high-quality drinking water to the community now and into the future.