Who we are
QTLC is an independent voice to inform and improve freight networks and outcomes for Queensland.
QTLC plays a unique and trusted role between freight participants, working as the voice of freight, thinking only of its safety, innovation and efficiency rather than at the behest of a single member or entity. Our goal, through collaboration, is to develop ways to future-proof Queensland supply chains and business by sharing considered approaches to current and future industry challenges.
As a not-for-profit organisation, QTLC operates under strong financial governance through an established Board.
What we do and how we do it
We bring together transport modes, operators and freight owners to provide input and influence on current and future industry priorities. QTLC’s key priorities, which are informed by its membership, are:
- Safety – sustainable safety outcomes underpin our collaborative work across all industry sectors.
- Innovation – our shared knowledge and connecting stakeholders through leadership uplifts sector capability and delivers impact and innovation.
- Efficiency – our research, funding and projects respond to the transformative changes that drive efficiency across all industry sectors.
We achieve our key priorities by working with engaged stakeholders who provide input and influence on current and future industry priorities.
QTLC augments funding provided through a grant from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads with project-driven funding and event sponsorship. We also rely on generous in-kind support from our sector-wide stakeholders.
People
QTLC is a not-for-profit organisation which operates under strong financial governance through an established Board.
Neil Findlay
Chair
Neil has over 50 years' experience in the transport sectors. Initially in the logging industry, then in general freight before specialising in dry bulk haulage across all of Eastern Australia as Findlay Bulk Services (FBS). This included extensive road fleet operations, interfacing with rail and sea freight. FBS were successful in winning multiple State & Federal Industry and Government Awards: QLD State Training Awards – twice in successive years; National Training Awards; multiple Industry Excellence Awards. Neil has been a Director of The Australian Trucking Association, NatRoad and Chair of the industry safety programme TruckSafe. He has spoken widely on platforms across Australia and in Global forums in Asia and Africa. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently Chair of the Queensland Transport & Logistics Council and Deputy Chair of the PBS programme at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator. He is the owner and Managing Director of Findlay Import & Trade, specialising in the import and distribution of heavy truck wheels and tyres.
He is an active participant in the Not-For-Profit sector in Philanthropic, Leadership and Governance roles across Australia, Asia and Africa.
Andrew Rankine
Board Member
20 years as the Logistics Manager of the Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd. Chair of the Operational Industry Sub Committee of the Queensland Ministerial Freight Council from 2016 to 2021. One of the Founders of the QTLC. Founder and Chair of the Port of Brisbane Landside Logistics Forum from 2003 to 2023. Prior: 23-year Army career as an Artillery Officer, final rank Lieutenant Colonel. 10 years as a senior executive in the trucking industry with McIver Corporation, a year with the Australian Trucking Association. 18 months as a senior executive with QR. Graduate of the Royal Military College, Duntroon and the Army Command and Staff College, Queenscliff, Victoria. Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Military) from the University of New South Wales, and a Graduate Diploma in Professional from the University of Canberra. Brings to the QTLC: significant knowledge of logistics, especially port logistics; the trucking industry, including PBS and innovative vehicles; road manager responsibilities; and rail freight. Retired, now focused on grandchildren, cycling, and writing a family history.
Andrew Higgins
Board Member
Andrew is a Senior Principal Research Scientist at the CSIRO Environment research unit, based in Brisbane, Australia. He joined CSIRO in 1996, with a passion in developing novel methods to optimise agriculture transport & logistics to increase profitability across the supply chains starting with the sugar regions across the Australian sugar industry.
Andrew brings 25+ years Queensland-based transport and supply chain R&D experience to the QTLC, across multiple commodity sectors.
From 2012, Andrew led the development of Transport Network Strategic Investment Tool (TraNSIT), which is a state-of-the-art model for assessing and optimising infrastructure investments (road upgrades, use of rail versus road, processing and storage facilities) along with impacts from disruptions such as extreme weather events. It holistically estimates the transport benefits across the freight network, by analysing every possible vehicle and rail trip each year, and optimising routes between all enterprises in the supply network. Commencing with livestock transport in northern Australia, Andrew’s team extended TraNSIT to the broader Australia freight task through a range of Australian Government funded initiatives. The research has been used to inform several major infrastructure investments including the northern Australia Beef Roads Programme, Roads of Strategic Importance and Inland Rail, along with several applications with local governments.
Andrew received his PhD from Queensland University of Technology in 1996 on the topic of optimising rail freight timetables. He is married with one daughter.
Neil Scales
Board Member
Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to public transport.
Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool John Moore’s University in 2011 for services to the region and regeneration.
Trade qualified, with professional qualifications at Sunderland Polytechnic including ONC (Engineering), HNC (Electrical and Electronic Engineering), a BSc (Engineering), and an MSc in
Control Engineering and Computer Systems.
This was supplemented with a Diploma in Management Studies with Distinction, and an MBA from the Open University.
Past accredited World Bank Expert.
Winner of the John Shaw medal in 2021.
Adjunct Professor of Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
Neil began his career as a Tradesman for Sunderland Corporation Transport and is also a lifelong Sunderland AFC supporter.
Paul Kahlert
Board Member
Paul Kahlert is the Chief Executive Officer of All Purpose Transport (APT), a Queensland-based logistics company headquartered in Brisbane. He joined the business in 1988 and has led the organisation since 2002, overseeing its growth into one of Queensland’s largest privately owned transport operators. Paul has held a range of industry leadership and advisory roles and is passionate about building strong partnerships between business, industry and training organisations. Through his involvement with QTLC, he brings practical industry insight, a strong customer focus, and a genuine commitment to developing the next generation of skilled workers.
On a day off, Paul is most likely to be found spending time with family, enjoying the rivers and ocean on his jetski, or watching the Brisbane Lions.
Lauren Hewitt
CEO & Company Secretary
Lauren is passionate about bringing industry and government together to solve complex freight challenges. She has led the development of Queensland’s Future Freight Energy Hub program, advancing hydrogen transport on Inland Rail and driving reforms to support the state’s energy transition, including wind farm logistics.
Previously, as Head of Policy at AgForce, Queensland’s peak agricultural body, Lauren united farmers and policymakers to deliver landmark reforms in land tenure and water regulation.
In 2015, she was named Queensland Rural Woman of the Year in recognition of her leadership and impact.
Outside of work, Lauren enjoys time at home on the farm.
Kim Kennedy
Administration Officer
Kim is an experienced Accounts and Administration professional with over 10 years’ experience across financial roles within Super Retail Group, MotorOne Group, and Ashbern Farms.
She has a strong background in financial management, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, asset management, reporting, and financial system migrations, with experience in both corporate and not-for-profit environments.
Known for her strong work ethic and attention to detail, Kim works effectively both independently and as part of a team. She takes pride in delivering accurate financial outcomes and providing high-quality administrative support.
Weekends are spent playing softball with her masters team and supporting her husband and 2 boys who all play rugby league.
Strategic Plan
QTLC’s current Strategic Plan runs from 2025 to 2028.
Members
QTLC’s members provide in-kind support and advice on an array of freight issues across the State. Membership is capped in number and includes:
