Transport plays a critical role in connecting people to jobs, services and communities. From daily commutes to regional access and social inclusion, this NTRO Edge event explores how transport systems support connectivity, liveability and participation across Australia.

Transport plays a critical role in connecting people to jobs, services and communities. Across Australia, changing population patterns, evolving travel behaviours and increasing expectations are reshaping how people move. This event explores how transport systems can better support connectivity, accessibility and liveability across urban, regional and remote environments.
As part of the NTRO Edge series, Transport: The Community Connector brings together leaders from industry, government and research to examine the social and demographic forces influencing transport demand. The session will explore how population growth, ageing demographics and regional development are impacting mobility, alongside the challenges of delivering equitable and reliable access to transport services.
The discussion will focus on practical approaches to improving connectivity and participation, including how transport systems can respond to shifting user needs, support diverse modal choices and overcome the challenges of distance and accessibility. Through shared insight and real-world perspectives, the event will highlight how transport can better enable connected, inclusive and resilient communities.


As Director-General, Sally Stannard leads the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). Sally was appointed as Director-General in 2023. In this role Sally oversees TMR’s delivery of transport services and infrastructure, the shaping of current and future transport systems, and management of the State’s transport regulation, marine and road safety functions.

Kat is a high-impact, agile and driven leader with executive experience in finance, commercial and operational roles, both locally and internationally. Passionate about customer experience, Kat is recognised for driving strategic change through large-scale transformation initiatives in highly complex and challenging environments across public and government organisations. Prior to commencing at Queensland Rail in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer, Kat held a number of executive roles with nbnCo and as CFO for Bahrain Telecommunications Company.

Sal Petroccitto OAM GAICD is a highly respected Australianexecutive with more than 30 years of experience in transport, infrastructure,planning and regulatory reform. Widely recognised for his collaborativeleadership style and commitment to innovation, he has played a significant rolein shaping Australia's heavy vehicle regulatory landscape and advancing safety,productivity and customer-focused service delivery across the transport sector.
From 2014 to 2025, Sal served as Chief Executive Officer ofthe National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), leading the organisation through aperiod of substantial growth and transformation. Under his leadership, the NHVRevolved into a modern, risk-based and data-driven national regulator,delivering major reforms, harmonising regulatory approaches acrossjurisdictions, introducing digital services through the NHVR Portal, andfostering stronger partnerships with industry and government stakeholders.
In July 2025, Sal commenced as Chief Executive Officer ofToowoomba Regional Council, where he continues to apply his strategic vision,operational expertise and stakeholder engagement skills to support regionaldevelopment, infrastructure delivery, community outcomes and organisationalexcellence.