Jon Whelan is taking over the role of Austroads board chair from Louise McCormick
Jon Whelan, chief executive of the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport, has been appointed the new chair of the Austroads board.
He brings four decades of experience with South Australia’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport and is widely regarded for his commitment to improving transport outcomes for the community, Austroads says.
Whelan 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.”
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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, 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, 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.
Dr Allan acknowledged the outstanding contribution of the outgoing chair, Louise McCormick.
“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.”