Meet a Fellow: Beth Meehan

I was born and bred in Melbourne, completing my Engineering Degree at Monash University. I moved to Brisbane in 2006, with my partner at the time and I saying we would stay for a maximum of three years. That “partner” and I are now married, 14 years and two children later, we are still in Brisbane and can’t imagine wanting to live anywhere else.

What is your current role?:  

Director / Sole Trader at Beth Meehan Consulting (BMC Traffic).

What first attracted you to get involved in the transport industry?

I sort of fell into engineering, my school guidance counsellor said it would be a good fit for me. It wasn’t until my first traffic subject that it all clicked and I realised that was where I was meant to be. I had excellent lecturers in Geoff Rose and Peter Daly who took an interest in knowing their students names and imparted their passion for all things traffic.

Could you explain some key opportunities in your career and how they contributed to your development?

Michael Durkin, at GTA Consultants, gave me my first job opportunity as a graduate in Melbourne. Anyone who knows Michael will appreciate how much of a natural leader he is, from my first day as a professional, he has provided technical guidance, endless opportunities for growth and most importantly, has embodied the word “mentor”.

I remember when I first came to Brisbane, I was incredibly sad to leave my GTA family behind. But therein lay my next opportunity. 

Two years after I moved to Brisbane, Michael and Greg Tucker from GTA showed tremendous faith in me, and trusted me to set up the GTA office in Brisbane. It was a steep learning curve, but I took great pride in helping grow that office. 

Opportunities seem to me to come from people who have the ability to let others grow, providing guidance, but not control.

What has been/will be your involvement with AITPM?

I felt when I joined Eppell Olsen in Brisbane, being part of the AITPM was synonymous with being a traffic engineer. Maybe because the meetings were then held in their offices.

It was a few years later that I joined the committee for the first time. I have a regularly attended events through my career and value the learnings and connections.

What has been a memorable moment in your career?

Most memorable would be my first (and only) presentation at an AITPM Conference. 

What are your personal and/or professional career plans for the future?

I am at a very fortunate place, working for myself. I have no further career aspirations, other than to continue to learn and find good project outcomes.

Do you have any advice you would like to share to professionals in the transport/traffic industry?

I would say the same to women as I would say to anyone, regardless of gender, colour, race or religion, work as hard as the next person, but try to offer more. A professional should be an expert in their field, regardless of their background. Stay true to yourself and take every opportunity that comes your way.