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Our Board
About Us
QTA Ltd Board of Directors as elected at the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
President
Michael Mahon
MJ Mahon Transport - Brisbane Markets
Michael started MJ Mahon transport straight after High School with one small truck, completing courier deliveries. He eventually upgraded the business by selling his single vehicle to buy two 12-tonne trucks. Since then, his business has gone from strength to strength and gradually grown to operate over 30 trucks in the fleet.
With over 20 years of experience, Michael has developed strong business management skills including customer service, employee relations, business and cash flow analysis and forecasting experience.
Michael is continuing to expand his knowledge and share his experience by joining our Board of Directors.
Aside from his love of trucks, Michael has a keen interest in classic cars, country music and taking the family camping and 4WDing.
Treasurer
Samantha Mackie (nee Clayton)
Barnes Auto Co Australia Pty Ltd - Brisbane
Samantha grew up in her family towing business on the Sunshine Coast and has had a passion for transport since she was a kid. With degrees in Business and Accounting Sam gained experience in finance and advisory services and is now a Director at Barnes Auto Co Australia.
Samantha has experience with the full spectrum of transport operations and implemented various new systems ensuring efficient and profitable processes. An innovative thinker, she is always looking for better ways to get the job done
Outside of work Samantha enjoys being a mum and also contributes her time through working with not-for-profit organisations and volunteering for At Risk Youth in regional QLD. She is also a self-confessed adrenaline junkie.
Vice President
Paul Kahlert (Immediate Past President)
All Purpose Transport (APT) - Berrinba, Brisbane
Paul commenced his transport career as a 19 year old, working for a freight forwarder at Expo 88. A conversation at Expo 88 with the owner of APT lead to a job offer, helping to set up a new computer system and 35 years later Paul remains at APT. After working his way through the business in various roles including General Manager for 20 years and was promoted to CEO in July 2022.
Paul specialises in Strategic Planning, Business Planning & Budget, Project Management and Implementation, Workforce Development and now, Pandemic Crisis Management.
Paul is a keen Brisbane Lions fan and enjoys getting out on his jet ski or beach 4WDing.
Vice President
Ross Longmire
Followmont Transport - Eagle Farm, Brisbane
Ross commenced in the Industry as a Commerical Manager in Brisbane and has since worked all around Australia in National Management and Global Equipment and Fleet Manager roles. He is currently the Chief Operating Officer at Followmont Transport, a role he has been in for 2.5 years. I commenced as a Commercial Manager based in Brisbane.
Ross specialises in operations management, customer service, captial planning, safety, innovation and strategy. Ross holds a Bachelor of Commerce and is CPA (Accounting). He has been involved in the ATA Electric Vehicle Committee and on advisory groups with NHVR.
Outside of work, Ross enjoys playing golf and time at the beach.
Directors
Athol Carter
Frasers Livestock Transport - Rockhampton, Central Queensland
Athol Carter started his career in the transport industry at St Joseph’s Nudgee College as the first school-based trainee in Road Transport, hosted by the QRTA. While completing Grade 11 and 12, he worked for his family’s business, Gympie Transport, also a QRTA member. His dedication earned him the QTA Professional Driver of the Year award in 2006, making him the youngest to receive this honor. With over 25 years in the industry, he has built a diverse career, including hands-on road train driving and management.
Athol is currently the Central Queensland & Compliance Manager at Frasers Livestock Transport, a role he has held for nearly a decade. Athol has pursued further education through programs such as the ATA's Future Leaders Program and the QTA Emerging Leaders Program, where he was named Leader of the Year in 2019. His commitment to the industry is also evident in his roles with organisations like TruckSafe, where he serves as Vice Chair, helping improve livestock transport standards and shaping the future of livestock and rural transport in Queensland.
Outside of work, Athol enjoys looking into the Australian transport heritage, spending time with his family, following the Rugby Union and walking.
Ben Colvin
Prochem Haulage Pty Ltd - Mackay, North Queensland
Ben may have started in the transport industry officially in 2008 but he has been involved in the family transport business since he was 10 years old. As soon as he was able to sit in the drivers seat properly, Ben's father John had him backing truck and dog combinations between 44 gallon drums in the yards.
Ben never looked back and has been the Operations Manager at Prochem Haulage for over 5 years.
Ben brings a wealth of mechanical and regional/mining knowledge to his role at Prochem, as well as his numerous competencies with three trades under his belt (Engineering, Mechanical Automotive and Electrical/Refrigeration Automotive), he is an Approved Examiner with Transport and Main Roads and has also recently started an Advanced Diploma. Ben was part of the inaugural QTA/Daimler Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program in 2018.
Mechanics is his passion and Ben works on his Harley's in his time off and loves spending time with his young family.
Tayla Connolly
Oakdare Holdings Pty Ltd - Townsville, Queensland
Tayla has been in and around trucks before she could walk, answering the phones at the Oakdare Holdings Mossman depot (owned by her mum and dad) at just 5 years of age.
After moving away to Brisbane in her teens to complete her University studies, Tayla decided to move back home to Townsville and has worked fulltime in the family business since 2017. A qualified Chartered Acocuntant, her role in the business was originally a financial/accounting one however she has grown with the business over the years and is now in Management, utilising her Bachelor of Business degree.
Tayla is enthusiastic about business efficiency including operational systems implementation and projects and specialises in cash flow dynamics, receiverships and voluntary administration.
When not at work, Tayla enjoys spending some much needed quiet time on the family cattle station on the Tablelands.
Cheryl Connor
Exodas Pty Ltd - Yatala, SEQ
Only fairly new to the industry compared to some, Cheryl left her Administration Management role seven years ago to go work for Exodas. After being part of the management team for three and a half years, Cheryl was appointed as CEO in 2019.
Cheryl has strong organisational, communication and leadership skills, and has an ability to adapt and manage any situation that arises. Cheryl strongly promotes the importance of building a team environment in any business.
Cheryl loves nothing more than spending time with friends and family, camping, reading and also volunteers her time on a number of committees within her local community.
Nathan Craner
South East Queensland Hauliers - Port of Brisbane, South East Queensland
Mitch Kelly
John Kelly @ Sons Transport - Toowoomba, South West Queensland