A message from the President – December 2018

The past year has once again showcased the Property Council’s key strengths – the capacity to deliver outstanding policy outcomes and powerful economic and community benefits while advocating the interests of the property industry.

Throughout the State Election campaign earlier this year, we kept you updated every step of the way and encouraged the major parties to support sensible policies that drive growth across South Australia’s economy. We also encouraged South Australians to elect a majority Government for reasons of stability, and to ensure we are no longer compared to Tasmania and its economic fortunes, but rather, a thriving state economy that keeps its best and brightest talent.

The change of Government has certainly brought with it renewed confidence and optimism in our State and we are working closely with new Premier Steven Marshall, and his Government, to get on with the job of re-building the state’s economy. As part of this process, it’s encouraging that a raft of the Property Council’s key policy platforms have been, or will be, implemented, including the establishment of an independent infrastructure body, long-term reform to the state’s anti-competitive land tax regime, and attracting investors back to South Australia.

I have always advocated that we must never lose sight of the population growth argument – Victoria’s population grows by more people in a month than South Australia adds in the entire year. Sustainably growing the state’s population is a key priority for the property sector, so we will continue to work hard with the State Government to future proof South Australia.

This year we have continued to play a prominent and pivotal role in shaping the frameworks and regulations around the Planning, Development & Infrastructure Act – a principal trigger for economic growth – and again championed a fair and equitable tax regime, especially in respect to land tax, stamp duty (on new residential apartments) and the foreign investor surcharge. We also recognised individuals who have made a superb contribution to the Property Council and the industry, conferring the President’s Award on former Property Council Executive Director, Bryan Moulds, anointing Aureon as Property Business of the Year, Guy Bennett (Knight Frank) Property Professional of the Year, Scott Bell (SkyCity Adelaide) Young Property Professional of the Year and Tonsley Innovation District (RenewalSA) as State Development of the Year.

While we have achieved a great deal again in South Australia in 2018, there is a lot more to do, which means 2019 will be another big and busy year and with a Federal election outcome on the line.

Of course, the work of the Property Council would not be possible without the 140 industry volunteers who serve across the 12 member committees. These industry volunteers give us their time and energy to help shape this great sector, and for that we are eternally grateful. 

Next Friday, we host our final event for 2018, the ever popular Christmas show at the Adelaide Oval. Over the course of the year, 3970 guests have heard from 73 speakers at Property Council events, including events featuring the Premier, Leader of the Opposition, Lord Mayor, demographer Bernard Salt and the pulsating Todd Sampson – cementing our position as South Australia’s foremost provider of networking, learning and professional development opportunities.

These events have been made possible by the incredibly generous support of our Corporate Partners, event sponsors and each and every one of you.

I want to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our Executive Director Daniel Gannon, for all his remarkable contribution and efforts throughout the year and to our passionate, energetic and hard-working operations team – recently promoted Deputy Executive Director Torie Brown, Commercial Director Dan Porter, Policy Advisor Almerinda Pollice and Events Manager Hannah Harding.  I also wish to acknowledge the important ongoing contribution of my Vice Presidents, Adrian Esplin (Sarah) and Nick Emmett (Emmett Property) and fellow Division Councillors who all share my passion for our great State.  We will continue to lobby and advocate strongly for our property industry in 2019.

Now well into my fourth year as your State President, I continue to serve you with the same passion and enthusiasm as when first elected, back in 2015.  I will continue to serve you in 2019 and give you my unconditional commitment of doing all we can once again for our property industry and making South Australia the powerhouse that it deserves to be.

On behalf of the Property Council team and Division Council, I’d like to wish everyone an enjoyable and safe Christmas and New Year break.