Last week David Stewart, currently head of Projects Queensland and a former Director General of the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, was appointed as Director General of Transport for NSW.

NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell said:

"We have a huge roads and transport infrastructure agenda, including the construction of the South West and North West Rail Links, WestConnex, the Pacific, Princes and Great Western Highway upgrades as well as the rollout of the Opal and light rail expansion, which Dave will oversee."

Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian said Mr Stewart is joining Transport for NSW at an exciting time.

"Transport for NSW will benefit greatly from Mr Stewart's experience delivering major transport projects, his track record with Public Private Partnerships and his proven ability to oversee multi-billion-dollar projects."

Minister for Roads and Ports Duncan Gay said Mr Stewart's past and ongoing involvement in major road projects stood him in great stead for the key role he will play in developing roads projects such as WestConnex.

Mr Gay said:

"I'm excited to welcome Mr Stewart south of the Tweed as we continue towards building WestConnex, upgrading Sydney's existing motorway network and exploring the possibility of a PPP to build an F3 to M2 link."

"Like his predecessor Les Wielinga, Mr Stewart is an engineer by training who has built his considerable knowledge as an executive on a solid base of practical experience and knowledge."