Arup strengthens leadership to streamline environmental approvals for Australia’s energy transition

Improving the environmental approvals process brings us closer to a decarbonised digital future, one that relies on essential infrastructure such as data centres, sustainable water management, and advanced digital transmission.

“As a firm, we see significant economic opportunities emerging from the global energy transition and our local strategy supports this vision,” said Arup’s Australia & New Zealand Managing Principal, Liam O’Donohue.

“Our focus in Australia and New Zealand is enhancing our energy, water, and data centre businesses, and leveraging our expertise in large-scale complex projects while building sector-specific capabilities. To bolster our ability to navigate environmental approvals, an increasing area of concern for our clients, we have welcomed two new senior market leaders with extensive experience in impact assessments for energy projects.”

Based in Brisbane, David brings over 30 years’ experience as a Project Director and Manager with an extensive background in renewable energy impact assessment and approvals. He has worked on numerous solar, wind, pumped hydro and battery projects across Queensland and NSW. David’s expertise across various aspects of the planning process enables him to find innovative opportunities to strengthen the scope of a project to produce strong results for clients while addressing critical environmental and social challenges.

Based in Sydney, Jon brings 25 years of experience in cross-discipline major project management, environmental approvals, engineering design, and community and stakeholder engagement across the renewable energy and complex infrastructure sectors. He prides himself on working collaboratively with client partners, regulators, and stakeholders to inform project refinement at an early stage; de-risking projects from an environmental impact and approvability perspective, and maximising community and environmental benefit.

The combined expertise David and Jon bring in relation to environmental impact assessments and renewables will be invaluable as Arup continues to drive innovation and deliver positive outcomes for clients and communities across Australia and beyond.

Liam concluded, “As new government targets accelerate the race to net zero, the private sector must invest in skills and innovation to remain competitive. These new appointments show our commitment to investing in green opportunities, and to shaping the future market and building a better world.”