Sydney, Australia – Austen Shoebotham, Arcadis Sector Executive- Highways & Roads, Australia Pacific (APAC), has been appointed to the Consult Australia Board for 2026–27, bringing 25 years of consulting engineering experience to the industry body.

The Board for 2026–27 was confirmed at Consult Australia’s Annual General Meeting on 22 October. Natalie Muir, Regional Director, Water at Stantec, continues as President, while David Barter, Market Director, Defence and National Security at Beca, steps into the Vice President role.

Austen said he was “honoured and excited” to have been appointed and looked forward to working with the other members of the Board. He said the appointment is an opportunity to give back to an industry that has shaped his career and to advocate for the role consultants play in delivering Australia’s critical infrastructure.

“I’m passionate about championing the vital work that consultants undertake in delivering Australia’s critical infrastructure. Improving the operating environment for consultants and strengthening relationships with our peer organisations is key to more productive, beneficial outcomes for society.”

Natalie Muir welcomed Austen to the Board and said its focus in the year ahead would include stronger advocacy, partnerships and building capacity.

Austen leads Arcadis’ Highways & Roads sector across Australia, New Zealand, India and the Philippines, with experience spanning major infrastructure design, project delivery and business leadership.

He has led some of Australia's most complex infrastructure projects. As Arcadis' Project Director on Western Sydney International Airport – Australia's first new greenfield international airport in more than 50 years – he led design across three major packages. He also serves on the Alliance Leadership Team for Adelaide's (South Australia) $15 billion River Torrens to Darlington project, the final link in the city's 78-kilometre North-South Corridor motorway.

Read more in Consult Australia’s 2026–27 Board announcement.