JLL’s Stephen Conry elected national president of the Property Council of Australia

Stephen Conry’s boyhood fascination with tall buildings was always going to lead to a career in the property industry. He has now capped off another milestone in an impressive 37-year career.

JLL head Stephen Conry has been elected national president of the Property Council of Australia. Picture: AAP/Megan Slade

STEPHEN Conry’s boyhood fascination with tall buildings was always going to lead to a career in the property industry.

Yesterday, the chief executive of JLL Australia capped off another milestone in his 37-year career with his election as the new national president of the Property Council of Australia.

For Mr Conry, who has lead JLL for a decade, property has always been a constant in his life.

“During my school years I used to take a strong interest in large buildings and always knew my career would end up in the property sector … and with tall buildings,” he said.

Born and bred in Brisbane, Mr Conry, who has spent almost all his working life in the Queensland capital, said he was honoured to take on the president’s role at an important moment for Australia’s biggest industry.

“The property industry literally touches the lives of every Australian,” he said.

“It is one of the big engines of the economy. It employs 1.4 million people. And it creates the places where Australians live, work and play.

“A federal election is just weeks away and whoever wins will rely on this industry to continue to play these important roles.”

Mr Conry, who has been on the Property Council’s board for the past five years, takes he leadership reins from Mirvac managing director and chief executive Susan Lloyd-Hurwitz, who has ended her two-year term.

He said the Property Council plays a critical role.

“Whether you are talking about the family balance sheet or the investment needs of the nation, this industry is crucial,” Mr Conry said.

“While property moves in cycles — and we are seeing this play out in housing markets now — it’s too important to the economic wellbeing of individual Australians and the country as a whole to take for granted.

“The property industry has tremendous opportunities to help create great places and build strong communities. Property is a pillar of the Australian economy, and sentiment across industry is a valuable guide to how the economy is faring more broadly.

“All levels of government need to be absolutely focused on the policy settings that stimulate growth and confidence.”