Push to appoint Cowboys figure, developer Laurence Lancini to 2032 Games role

A national property industry lobby has called for whoever wins Saturday’s election to appoint a former Cowboys executive and developer to the independent 2032 Games authority.

Laurence Lancini (right) with Cowboys great Jonathan Thurston.

A national property industry lobby has called for whoever wins Saturday’s election to appoint a former Cowboys executive and developer to the independent 2032 Games authority.

The Property Council of Australia said longtime North Queensland Cowboys chair Laurence Lancini had a unique mix of skills vital to delivering a successful Olympics.

The property industry veteran and his family company have been the masterminds behind an impressive portfolio of retail, industrial and residential developments in Townsville, Brisbane, Cairns, Mackay and central Queensland.

He received the Order of Australia Medal in 2019 for his services to rugby leage and north Queensland.

Property Council executive director Jess Caire, speaking at its national congress in Townsville, said Mr Lancini’s passion and experience in delivering region-shaping places projects made him an ideal candidate.

Laurence Lancini (right) with Cowboys great Jonathan Thurston.

“The property industry will be tasked with delivering the Games infrastructure and you would be hard pressed finding someone with more experience or passion than Laurence when it comes to delivering game changing, or in this case Games shaping, precincts,” she said.

“Starting his career as a builder in Townsville more than 40 years ago, Laurence is now one of Queensland’s most successful business leaders and knows how to deliver legacies.

“As former chair of the North Queensland Cowboys he helped deliver a new stadium in Townsville and as past president of the Property Council he understands the critical role of the property sector in shaping the future of Queensland.’’

League great Johnathan Thurston paid tribute to Mr Lancini in an address to the congress.

Ms Caire said the Property Council had long advocated for a property representative to be included on the independent Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority.

“Our members have helped deliver Olympic and Paralympic legacies across the world and can help deliver a successful Brisbane 2032 Games,’’ she said.

“In support of this opportunity, the Property Council put forward Mr Lancini to the state government back in July.

“With the independent board to be appointed after this weekend’s state election, we are urging the successful state government to move quickly to establish the board and include Mr Lancini as part of it.”

Originally published as Push to appoint Cowboys figure, developer Laurence Lancini to 2032 Games role