Austroads has announced it has appointed a new chair of its board, with the leader joining from South Australia’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport.
Jon Whelan, chief executive of the department, has been appointed the new chair of the Austroads board, bringing four decades of experience to the role.
He’s widely regarded across the transport sector for his commitment to improving transport outcomes for the community.
He began his career working in a pavements laboratory in the then South Australian Highways Department and has worked closely with Austroads throughout his career, including during its earlier years as NAASRA. Whelan joined the Austroads board in early 2025.
“Jon brings an impressive breadth of knowledge and experience to the Austroads Board,” Austroads chief executive Dr Geoff Allan says.
“He has been a valuable member of the Austroads board, and I am excited to work with him as chair. I believe Austroads will continue to deliver important work for our members under his leadership.”
As chief executive of the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Whelan oversees the design, delivery and maintenance of transport infrastructure across the state, including South Australia’s largest and most complex infrastructure project in the 15.4-billion-dollar River Torrens to Darlington Project.
Whelan succeeds Louise McCormick, who stepped down from the position to take up a new role as the executive general manager of strategy, growth and development at the Northern Territory’s Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet. Her departure marks the end of a historic tenure as the first woman to lead the Austroads board.
Allan acknowledged the outstanding contribution of the outgoing chair.
“I am excited to see what Louise does in the future,” he says.
“She has had an immeasurably positive impact on Austroads, and we are very thankful for her leadership during her time as chair.”