As PJA expands its presence in Australia, we are excited to introduce two new additions to our growing team – Cameron Steel, based in Perth, and Pasan Bandara, based in Melbourne.

We sat down with these new team members who bring knowledge and capacity to PJA’s growing Australian team to discuss their experiences, expertise, and ambitions. Here, they share their insights on joining the team and their fresh perspectives on the future of transport and engineering in the regions.

Cameron Steel, Consultant Transport Engineer, Perth

Cameron, welcome to PJA! What motivated you to join the team? 

Thank you! Joining PJA felt like a natural step in my career. I had worked with many of the Perth team members in my previous role and knew their reputation in the W.A. industry for delivering innovative transport solutions. PJA’s collaborative environment and forward-thinking approach really appealed to me, especially as I want to contribute to projects that shape our cities for the future. 

Can you tell us about your background and areas of expertise? 

I’ve been working in engineering for over four years, primarily in transport engineering. I graduated from Curtin University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), majoring in Civil and Construction Engineering. My primary focus is on transport engineering, but my proficiency spans transport planning and analytics with key skills in technical writing, assessments, and data analysis. Through my project experience, I have developed relationships with a number of clients and delivered technical advice bespoke to their individual needs. I’m also working towards becoming a W.A. accredited Road Safety Auditor, which is an exciting goal for me. 

You’re involved in several industry groups. How has that shaped your work? 

I’m actively involved with Engineers Australia’s Transport Australia Society (TAs) and the Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management (AITPM). It’s helped me build a strong network of professionals, and being part of these groups keeps me informed on various emerging trends and best practices in the industry. I’m passionate about innovation and working with emerging transport professionals through these channels, and I was recently pleased to host TAs’ September Industry Hour which focused on ‘An Introduction to Placemaking on Transport Projects’. 

What excites you most about the future of transport engineering? 

I’m really excited about the shift towards more sustainable, smart transport solutions. The integration of data and technology into transport systems is changing how we think about movement, and it’s great to be at the forefront of that with PJA. 

Pasan Bandara, Civil Engineer, Melbourne 

Pasan, it’s great to have you on board! What drew you to PJA? 

Thanks! PJA stood out to me because of its multidisciplinary approach and focus on innovation. I’ve always been interested in how different aspects of engineering come together to create places and sustainable solutions, and PJA really champions that. Joining a team with such a strong commitment to integrating transport and place engineering felt like the right move for me. 

You have a dual focus on stormwater and transport engineering – can you tell us more about that? 

My background is in civil engineering, which I studied at Deakin University, graduating with honours in 2022. I’ve developed a strong foundation in stormwater design, surface modelling, and pavement design through Civil 3D. What excites me is combining these skills with place-led engineering, like street cross section designs, people focused developments and WSUDs. I’m passionate about finding ways to integrate solutions to make infrastructure both functional and environmentally sustainable. 

How do you see stormwater management and transport design working together? 

They’re deeply integrated as effective stormwater management is critical for enabling places. By integrating effective stormwater management with transport design principles, I hope to enhance project outcomes, contributing to safer, more functional and environmentally conscious infrastructure. Having a focus on the civil engineering aspects, such as WSUD during the initial design phases enables these features to be more viable and integrated in the design solutions.  

What do you hope to achieve at PJA? 

I’m excited to grow and contribute to projects that push boundaries. I hope to help drive forward projects that not only meet the immediate needs of communities but also ensure long-term sustainability. I’m always learning, and PJA’s collaborative environment is a great place to continue my development. 

With Cameron’s focus on transport engineering and Pasan’s expertise in stormwater design, PJA’s Australian team is strengthened. Their innovative approaches and dedication to sustainable, client-focused solutions are already making an impact, and they are set to contribute significantly to PJA’s future success. We are proud to welcome these talented professionals as we continue to expand PJA’s presence in Australia, building a team that is committed to delivering excellence multi-nationally. 

Perth Office

Quay Perth
18 The Esplanade
Perth
WA 6000
Australia

T: 0427 382 288
[email protected]

Melbourne Office

Level 19
15 William Street
Melbourne
VIC 3000
Australia

T: 0370 330 210
[email protected]

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