NatRoad names new President

The National Road Transport Association has announced that Allan Thornley is the advocacy body's new President.

Previously NatRoad's Vice President, Mr Thornley (pictured, dark blue tie) has taken the reins from out-going NatRoad President Geoff Crouch (pictured, red tie), who formally stepped down from his post at the 2015 NatRoad Conference gala dinner in Brisbane on August 15.

Mr Crouch, who is also the Managing Director of Ron Crouch Transport, had served as President for the last four years, but opted not to seek re-election.

He said it had been an honour to serve NatRoad.

"It's been a wonderful journey to have been a part of the NatRoad council for the last nine years," he said.

"It's been an absolute privilege to have been part of the NatRoad family and I'm going to enjoy watching the new council and the new executive team continue to take our great association even higher."

Mr Thornley, who is also Managing Director of Shaw's Darwin Transport, said he knew full well of the size of the task before him.

"I'm greatly honoured and humbled by the appointment, and a little bit intimidated too because I know how much work we've got to do," he said.

Mr Thornley thanked Mr Crouch for his contribution and especially for his leadership before, during and after the sudden departure of former NatRoad CEO, Warwick Ragg.

"Geoff was strong and guiding until the end; he led a very difficult process that was done with great compassion and feeling, and done as professionally as it could have been done," he said.

After taking on the job from Chris Melham in early February, Mr Ragg's tenure was terminated in early July. While NatRoad hasn't gone into specifics, it is believed Mr Ragg was ultimately deemed unsuitable for the role. NatRoad is still seeking the appointment of a new CEO.

Mr Thornley said there was much work to be done.

"NatRoad is a great organisation," he said.

"I'm very conscious that I have a mission to take it forward and make it better than it already is and that is a daunting task, but I'm committed to do it. I'm very privileged to have an excellent council around me who will share the burden."

NatRoad council member Melanie Cosgrove, of SRV Road Freight, will now step up from the role of Treasurer to Vice President, while fellow council member Alan Magill, of A & R Magill Transport, will serve as Treasurer.

Mr Crouch was presented with a commemorative plaque and a decanter in tribute to his service at NatRoad.

In carrying out his first official task as NatRoad President, Mr Thornley announced that the 2016 NatRoad Conference would take place in Cairns, with exact timing still to be confirmed.