On 15 November 2023, the University of South Australia commemorated the first anniversary of Professor John Argue’s passing with a memorial service and plaque unveiling at its Mawson Lakes Campus. Memorial plaques were unveiled, accompanied by speeches from colleagues, friends and family. About 30 guests, including family, honoured the legacy of this esteemed academic, raised a glass in memory of him and shared cherished stories.
Memorial service
14 September 1933 – 18 September 2022
We gather here to pay tribute to the extraordinary life and contributions of the late Adjunct Professor John R Argue AO, FIEAust to the University of South Australia. Professor Argue’s profound impact on the fields of hydraulics, urban stormwater management, and water sensitive urban design (WSUD) merits a lasting tribute.
We are proud to announce the naming of “The John Argue Hydraulics Laboratory” located in Building N at the Mawson Lakes Campus, in honour of Professor Argue. A memorial plaque was unveiled at the N-building Foyer. John, who passed away in September 2022 at the age of 89, remained a loyal and active member of the University of South Australia community for over 55 years, earning the highest esteem from students and serving as a friend, mentor, and wise elder to University of South Australia staff.
L-R: The lab N1-14 names after Prof. John Argue; Colleagues and family sharing life stories; Plaque unveiling by Prof. Argue’s son; Prof. Argue’s life stories in images
Academic journey and teaching contributions
Professor Argue’s illustrious career began in 1965 as a Lecturer in Hydraulics at the South Australian Institute of Technology (SAIT). His journey included promotions to Senior Lecturer (1969), Principal Lecturer (1979) and Associate Professor (1990). Notably, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Urban Water Resources Centre (UWRC) in 1993 and served as its esteemed director until his retirement in 1999. John’s impact extended to his role as the Academic Leader of the Civil Engineering discipline and later as Adjunct Professor of Water Engineering until 2021.
Over the last five decades, Professor Argue was a guiding force in teaching and research in civil engineering, personally designing hydraulics labs that remain integral to teaching and research in civil engineering to this day. Since 1965, he presented diverse subjects and short courses covering streamflow analysis, water resources engineering, open channel hydraulics, and urban hydrology. Professor Argue played a pivotal role in establishing the Joint Universities’ Masters Program (JUMP) in Hydrology and Water Resources by collaborating with The University of Adelaide and Flinders University and contributing significantly to its success. His influence transcended traditional engineering boundaries, emphasising the broader context of stormwater drainage in growing cities.
Legacy of excellence in WSUD and visionary leadership
His involvement in urban stormwater management began in the late 1980s. In 1986, Professor Argue authored the ground-breaking book Storm drainage design in small urban catchments: A handbook for Australian practice, earning an Engineering Excellence award. This indispensable resource has sold over 3,000 copies and remains accessible for free download, impacting decision-making and problem-solving in stormwater engineering.
In the 1990s, John’s passion for source control of stormwater gained prominence. Collaborating with colleagues at the Institute and then UniSA, he spearheaded the WSUD movement. The first application of the principles discovered through this research in real-world installations occurred with the construction of New Brompton Estate (now Rowley Reserve) in the City of Charles Sturt in 1991. Notably, this site showcased an innovative approach, as it lacked conventional stormwater infrastructure. Instead, roof runoff was ingeniously stored in an aquifer situated 30 meters below ground level. The stored water was then harnessed to replace mains water for open-space irrigation purposes. The pioneering project has gained widespread recognition for being the first inner-city example of WSUD in Australia, apart from constructed wetlands.
Under Professor Argue’s visionary leadership, the UWRC achieved remarkable success, receiving numerous national and state awards for its outstanding contributions to environmental and engineering excellence. His contributions to sustainable urban water management extend to the establishment of the WSUD: Basic procedures for source control of stormwater handbook, recognised with prestigious awards in 2005.
Professor Argue made significant contributions to academic supervision, mentoring numerous PhD and Masters candidates. His research output, including three published books and over 75 publications, reflects his deep expertise and commitment to advancing knowledge in the field.
Awards, accolades and global recognition
Professor Argue’s accomplishments in stormwater management and WSUD earned him several awards, including an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in 2013. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the National Committee for Water Engineering of Engineers Australia in 2014, and into the Hall of Fame by Stormwater Industry Australia in 2016. He was awarded the level of Honorary Fellow by Engineers Australia, the highest title any engineer can have in this country and is only able to be held by 200 living members across the nation at any one time. Professor Argue’s impact reached international acclaim, with invitations to deliver major keynote addresses and participation in 18 international conferences. His work, including contributions to the Australian Runoff Quality industry standard, solidified his significant role in stormwater management and WSUD.
Reflection on a remarkable legacy
We acknowledge Professor Argue’s incredible impact on the field of civil engineering, his mentorship, and his contribution to sustainable practices. More than a brilliant engineer, John was a kind, wise and humble mentor who made everyone feel at ease in his presence. His legacy will endure, having nurtured the growth of countless individuals and advanced sustainable practices.