Arup has appointed Sean McCagh as its Australia and New Zealand Desalination Technical Leader, strengthening the firm's capability to support clients navigating growing water security and climate resilience challenges.

McCagh brings more than 20 years' experience across the full lifecycle of desalination and advanced water treatment projects, spanning planning, design, procurement, construction, commissioning, operations and asset management. He has held senior leadership roles on some of Australia's most significant water infrastructure projects, including the Gold Coast Desalination Plant and Sydney Desalination Plant.

In the new role, McCagh will provide technical leadership across desalination pursuits and project delivery, support clients exploring resilient water supply solutions, lead technical inputs to major bids and projects, and mentor the next generation of water specialists across the region.

"Sean brings world-class desalination expertise to Arup, with rare experience spanning planning, delivery, operations and asset management," says Steve Adamthwaite, ANZ Water Lead. "His leadership in advancing industry safety and reliability practice internationally strengthens our ability to help clients develop the next generation of water security projects across Australia and New Zealand."

Widely recognised for his expertise in membrane systems and desalination technology, McCagh has built a reputation across the water sector for fostering communities focused on construction quality and improving operational performance. He is an active contributor to international industry initiatives, co-authoring the American Membrane Technology Association's Guideline for Membrane System Safety and Reliability, and has led reverse osmosis asset research and development in partnership with Water Corporation and Protec Arisawa.

The appointment comes as governments, utilities and industry across Australia and New Zealand place increasing focus on securing reliable water supplies in response to population growth, climate variability and growing pressure on water resources. Desalination is playing a growing role in future water supply planning and resilience strategies across the region.

"Water security is one of the defining infrastructure challenges facing our region," says McCagh. "By combining deep technical expertise with multidisciplinary thinking, we can help utilities and governments deliver sustainable, reliable water solutions for communities, incorporating lessons from Australian and international operational experience along with the best of emerging technologies."

Image: Supplied

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