As the voice of the property industry in Tasmania, the Property Council’s small branch has always made a big impact, says Brian Wightman, as the industry gathered last week to celebrate a magic milestone.
Former presidents and executive directors joined industry veterans and new faces, as well as the current Property Council team, at the Old Wharf Restaurant at Macq01 to celebrate 50 years representing the industry and influencing public policy debate.
The Building Owners and Managers Association, the precursor to the Property Council’s Tasmanian division, was established in 1982 when the Victorian branch appointed James Sharley and Robert Betts as the Tasmanian convenors.
“Since that time, our small division has achieved the sort of advocacy results for members that are more often attributed to larger industry representative organisations,” Wightman, the Property Council’s current Tasmanian executive director, explains.
Ian Wells, chairman of Knight Frank and a former past president of the Property Council in Tasmania, says the advent of BOMA gave the local industry a “format for making valuable contacts and relationships” – both close to home and around the country.
BOMA, and then the Property Council, brought with it a professionalisation of commercial property in the state, Wells says, from research and data, to standardisation of lease formats and financial accounts. The result was an “accepted method of measurement” that enhanced building management for owners and tenants alike.
“Our concisely articulated policy positions remain atop agendas of community leaders and decision makers in Tasmania for nearly 40 years,” Wightman adds.
“From a significant reduction in land tax to improving housing supply and accommodating a growing student population, the Tasmanian division has regularly championed initiatives unashamedly focussed on long-term prosperity of the Island State.”
“Tasmania is enjoying unprecedented popularity and, as the industry’s most important voice, we will do all we can to ensure continued economic growth is maintained,” Wightman concludes.
Hobart will play host to the property industry’s movers and shakers from 28-30 October for The Property Congress. Super early bird tickets will be available soon.