Jeroen Weimar: Leading Victoria’s Transport and Planning Revolution
Jeroen Weimar has emerged as a prominent figure in the world of transport and planning. With years of experience leading large-scale projects and operations in both the UK and Australia, he has made significant contributions to the development of urban infrastructure and services. His career has spanned key roles that shaped public transport systems, managed complex crises, and led critical initiatives in state and national governance. This article explores Jeroen Weimar’s impactful career, highlighting his current role as the Secretary of the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) in Victoria, Australia, as well as his previous achievements in housing, transport, and the COVID-19 response.
The Rise of Jeroen Weimar: From Transport to Crisis Management
Early Career and Educational Background
Jeroen Weimar’s career is rooted in a strong educational foundation. He holds both a BSc in Economics and an MSc in Urban and Regional Planning from the prestigious London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). These degrees laid the groundwork for his future career, preparing him for a role at the intersection of economics, public policy, and urban planning.
His career began in consultancy, working at firms like Accenture, where he contributed to major restructuring projects for government departments and financial services. This early experience allowed him to hone his skills in performance management and organizational change.
Transition into Transport and Planning
Weimar’s expertise in economics and planning quickly translated into his work in public transport and urban infrastructure. He joined the Greater London Authority in the late 1990s, where he played a pivotal role in shaping London’s new governance structures. His efforts culminated in the creation of the Office of Budget and Performance, enabling the Mayor of London to oversee the capital’s transport and policing services.
His time with Transport for London (TfL) from 2003 to 2010 marked a critical juncture in his career. Weimar served in various roles, from Director of Transport Policing and Enforcement to Chief Operating Officer for Policing and Enforcement. Here, he managed crucial services across London’s Underground, bus, rail, and road networks. This experience solidified his reputation as an effective leader capable of overseeing large, complex transportation systems.
Leadership at VicRoads and Public Transport Victoria
Chief Executive Officer at VicRoads
In 2019, Weimar took on the role of CEO at VicRoads, where he was responsible for overseeing road management and public transport operations in Victoria, Australia. As CEO, Weimar brought innovative leadership to the organization, integrating advanced systems to improve the efficiency and safety of Victoria’s road network. He continued to build on his extensive knowledge of public transport systems, leveraging his experience from the UK to bring about improvements in service delivery and operational efficiency.
His leadership at VicRoads was a crucial stepping stone that further prepared him for his future role as Secretary of the Department of Transport and Planning.
Building the Transport Network in Victoria
As Head of Transport Services at the Department of Transport, Weimar’s scope expanded to include all aspects of Victoria’s transport network. This role saw him overseeing roads, public transport services, and transport operations statewide. His leadership helped streamline services and improved coordination between various transport agencies in Victoria, ultimately driving the state’s transportation systems towards a more integrated future.
The COVID-19 Response Commander: A Critical Role in Crisis Management
Steering the COVID-19 Response
In 2020, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Weimar was appointed Commander of the COVID-19 Response for the Victorian Department of Health. This role saw him take the helm of the state’s public health response, overseeing testing, contact tracing, and vaccination efforts across Victoria. Weimar’s ability to manage a large team—consisting of thousands of personnel—during this period showcased his capability in crisis management, operational coordination, and leadership under pressure.
Weimar was directly responsible for overseeing the swift roll-out of vaccination programs, which became one of the fastest and most comprehensive vaccination efforts in the country. His ability to navigate this unprecedented public health crisis played a key role in Victoria’s management of the pandemic and set a benchmark for other states to follow.
Jeroen Weimar as Secretary of the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP)
Leadership in Transport and Urban Development
In January 2025, Weimar was appointed Secretary of the Department of Transport and Planning in Victoria. This high-profile role tasked him with overseeing Victoria’s transport system and planning for the state’s infrastructure needs for years to come. Weimar’s leadership at DTP is pivotal as he aims to transform the transport network and ensure it meets the evolving needs of the population.
As Secretary, he is focused on improving transport connectivity, advancing sustainable transport solutions, and integrating land-use planning with transport development. Under his leadership, the DTP is working on projects that aim to reduce congestion, enhance public transport accessibility, and create smarter, greener urban environments. His role at DTP is central to advancing Victoria’s vision for the future, making transport systems more efficient and inclusive.
Focus on Housing and Urban Planning
In addition to his transport responsibilities, Weimar’s brief at DTP includes a significant focus on housing development. From February 2024 to January 2025, Weimar served as Deputy Secretary for Housing Statement Implementation at the Department of Premier and Cabinet, where he led efforts to align housing policies with the broader urban planning goals of the state. His work in housing was pivotal in driving initiatives that aim to address the housing affordability crisis in Victoria.
The integration of housing and transport policies is crucial for ensuring that new developments are well-served by transport infrastructure, reducing congestion and improving the quality of life for residents. This holistic approach to urban planning underscores Weimar’s vision for a more connected, sustainable, and accessible Victoria.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
Jeroen Weimar’s career reflects a deep commitment to improving urban transport systems and planning for the future. From his early days in London to his pivotal roles in Victoria, Weimar has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead large-scale, complex projects and navigate crisis situations with skill and efficiency. As Secretary of the Department of Transport and Planning, he is at the forefront of transforming Victoria’s transport systems to meet the needs of a growing population.
Weimar’s leadership is especially notable in the context of his work with the COVID-19 response, where his crisis management and logistical coordination were key to Victoria’s successful handling of the pandemic. His strategic focus on integrating transport planning with housing development positions him as a forward-thinking leader dedicated to building a more connected, sustainable, and liveable future for Victoria.
As he continues to lead the Department of Transport and Planning, Jeroen Weimar’s efforts will have a lasting impact on the state’s infrastructure, transport services, and urban development, ensuring that Victoria remains at the cutting edge of innovation in public services.
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