Home » Shoalhaven Water staff member – Operator of the Year

Shoalhaven Water staff member – Operator of the Year

Located on the south coast of New South Wales, Shoalhaven Water’s Wastewater Treatment Operator, Peter Hale, has been awarded the prestigious Operator of the Year award from the State Water Directorate. The awards will see Peter finish his career on a high, having recently announced his forthcoming retirement.

Part of Shoalhaven City Council, Shoalhaven Water manages the collection, treatment and distribution of water in Shoalhaven City. It also collects, treats and disposes wastewater safely back into the environment.

Peter Hale has been working with Shoalhaven Water since 1989 and is currently the Operator in Charge of the Callala Bay Treatment Plant.

Shoalhaven Water Director, Carmel Krogh, said Peter’s experience in many areas of Shoalhaven City’s treatment plants provides substantial technical expertise in differing areas of operations.

“This award is fitting recognition for a man who has always gone the extra mile for Shoalhaven Water, his colleagues and the community.” Carmel Krogh said. “His experience, level of expertise and significant technical ability in the operation of different plants has been invaluable to Council, particularly his mentoring of new staff.”

Peter Hale has worked in a variety of Council locations, including treatment plants at Berry, Shoalhaven Heads, Bomaderry, Nowra, Culburra Beach, Callala, St Georges Basin and Sussex Inlet. These plants vary from trickling filters, with humus removal treatment systems, to continuous aeration activated sludge processes and intermittently decanted extended aeration systems, with chemical phosphorus removal, tertiary filtration and chlorination disinfection.

Peter has also developed and introduced a professional, structured program of tours of the Callala Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Reclaimed Water Management Scheme (REMS). Tours are conducted on a regular basis for schools, community groups and industry leaders.

These tours have been so successful that they often attract overseas visitors from places such as Korea, India and Indonesia.

Peter also served on Council’s Consultative Committee from 1992 until February 2008.

For further information contact Carmel Krogh on (02) 4429 3222.

Digital Editions


  • A golden celebration

    A golden celebration

    Cockburn Libraries will mark a major milestone in 2026 – 50 years of serving, supporting and connecting the community. Spearwood Library opened its doors on…

More News

  • Temora address housing shortage in tiny hamlet

    Temora address housing shortage in tiny hamlet

    Proposed Ariah Park Village Subdivision to Address Housing Shortage – Lots from $90-000 to $110,000 in the small picturesque hamlet. Temora Shire Council is investigating the delivery of a proposed…

  • Douglas Shire seeks renewal

    Douglas Shire seeks renewal

    Creative store opens in Mossman through empty spaces program. A new store and community art space has opened in Mossman thanks to a program designed to breathe new life into…

  • New youth and community centre for McLeay

    New youth and community centre for McLeay

    A new Youth and Community Centre planned for Macleay Island will service the needs of the growing community and will also be designed so it can support community recovery following…

  • Grants close soon

    Grants close soon

    Queensland councils have until 31 March to apply for Round two of the State Government’s Secure Communities Partnership Program, which offers up to $400,000 per project for CCTV, lighting and…

  • Sod turned on major upgrade at Paul Fitzsimons Oval

    Sod turned on major upgrade at Paul Fitzsimons Oval

    Work has officially begun on the redevelopment of Paul Fitzsimons Oval with Alice Springs Town Council and the Australian Government turning the first sod this morning. Mayor Asta Hill and…

  • Lockyer send flood expert north

    Lockyer send flood expert north

    Lockyer Valley Regional Council has answered the call for assistance from a community impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji, with a staff member from Council’s Disaster Management Unit deployed to support…

  • From books to bots

    From books to bots

    Tenterfield Library is proving that technology is more than just tools and devices. From coding and robotics to tech support, the Library has become a place where curiosity, connection and…

  • Major repairs for levee

    Major repairs for levee

    Goondiwindi Regional Council has endorsed its largest-ever capital works project to repair and reinforce critical sections of the Goondiwindi levee, following significant erosion after recent floods. At this week’s Ordinary…

  • Stretching for a good cause

    Stretching for a good cause

    Ballarat residents stretched, smiled and snuggled their way through a unique Kitten Yoga event that combined relaxation with a heartwarming cause – helping kittens find their forever homes. Hosted by…

  • Murray Library upgrade open

    Murray Library upgrade open

    The Murray Library refurbishment is now complete, and the revitalised space is officially open to the community. The upgrade delivers a brighter, more accessible and flexible library that reflects the…