2025 Annual Queensland Property Lunch

Don’t miss this major luncheon with key stakeholders across the built, investor and fund management sectors highlighting the future trends and prospects for south-east Queensland and the state.

In 2025 unprecedented growth in South-East Queensland is resulting in exciting developments across the wider state. Scaling up of activity for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, a new state government, major infrastructure expansion and precinct growth is presenting significant property and investor opportunities.

While the national outlook might be complicated by a cautious economic forecast, interest rate uncertainty, and challenged of higher costs and supply issues, Queensland is uniquely positioned to maximise the current settings for growth.

OUR GUEST PANEL SPEAKERS

Fiona Cunningham is proud to work with residents, charities, small businesses, clubs, schools, the environment, and community groups in her role representing more than 45,000 people in the Ward of Coorparoo.

Fiona was born and schooled in Brisbane. She has a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism and Marketing) and, early in her caree,r worked as a radio and television journalist in regional centres and in Sydney.

Fiona lives at Coorparoo with her young family, after having previously lived at Greenslopes, Stones Corner, and Camp Hill. She is Civic Cabinet Chair of Cabinet Chair of Finance and City Governance and was also the first member of the Lord Mayor’s Cabinet to have a baby while in this leadership position.

Fiona is a Director on the Small Steps for Hannah Foundation. She has become an advocate alongside local residents Sue and Lloyd Clarke, who have fought for the criminalisation of coercive control and promoting healthy and respectful family relationships.

Fiona has been a finalist in the Australia-wide McKinnon Prize, which recognises outstanding political leadership and inspires leaders to deliver positive impact to their communities.

With two young boys keeping her focused on a better Brisbane for tomorrow, Fiona is passionate about striking a balance between affordability and liveability, as we prepare to be an Olympic city.EAKERS

As of 2025, Fiona has been appointed to the role of Deputy Mayor of Brisbane and is as dedicated as ever to keep Brisbane moving.

Scott Hutchinson, Chairman, holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), which he completed in 1981 at the University of Queensland. He subsequently completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1986 at the same university after traveling extensively across Europe, North Africa, and the UK. Scott attributes his MBA learnings to the success of Hutchies’ flat organisational structure and culture built on empowerment.

Scott entered the family business full-time as the fourth generation Hutchinson in 1986 when the company’s turnover was just $6 million. He has been Chairman of Hutchinson Builders since 2001, a role he moved into after Greg Quinn was selected as Hutchies’ first non-family member to hold the Managing Director position. Scott was previously Managing Director from 1991 for ten years. Under their direction, Hutchies’ turnover grew significantly to circa $3 billion annually today.

He was recognised as a 2024 Queensland Great for his significant contribution to construction and the arts. Announced on Queensland Day, the Queensland Greats Awards recognise and honour extraordinary individuals and institutions who have made a meaningful contribution to, or whose achievements have significantly impacted the history and development of Queensland.

Beyond business, Scott is a notable philanthropist, supporting numerous not-for-profit organisations and championing initiatives like AEIOU Foundation for Children with Autism and the urban honey bee movement. He has also been a sponsor of the National Association of Women in Construction since 1997.

Hutchies won the Queensland Government’s 2020 Business Reconciliation Award for its work developing Statim Yaga, an Indigenous employment initiative that has so far trained and employed hundreds of First Australians. It has also previously twice won the Australian Training Awards’ Large Employer of the Year for other training achievements and programs.

Scott’s passion for the arts led to the creation of iconic music venues, notably The Triffid and The Fortitude Music Hall, and the purchase and preservation of other Fortitude Valley music venues – a personal commitment to protecting Brisbane’s live music scene. He served on the board of QMusic from 2005 to 2017 and now holds the role of official Patron. Over the years, he has also sponsored and supported young bands and music festivals throughout Queensland.

Jess Caire, Executive Director, Property Council of Australia (Queensland), is an accomplished property industry leader with extensive experience in advocacy, public policy, stakeholder management, digital transformation, and strategic engagement. Jess is also a Director of the Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority (GIICA). 

Chris Jones is the Queensland editorial lead for News Corp, and the editor of The Courier-Mail - a role he has held for five years.

Chris grew up in Brisbane and began his career at The Courier-Mail in 1998. He was deputy editor in 2017 when he was sent to Hobart to edit the Mercury.

As a reporter, Chris covered state and federal politics. He also edited the Brisbane afternoon commuter newspaper mX in 2008-09.

He says his passion is “using the influence that newspapers still very much have to drive better outcomes for the community they serve, and in which his team of journalists live”.