The Realside Ovest founder will take the reins from Hawaiian’s Richard Kilbane.
Julie Drago will step up as the Property Council of Australia WA Division president, taking over from Hawaiian chief operating officer Richard Kilbane.
Ms Drago is the founder and chief executive of industrial property fund Realside Ovest, which has $375 million of assets in Western Australia and South Australia.
She has spent most of her life around industrial property, helping with her family’s fabrication business and in their transition to property development in the 2000s.
She launched Realside Ovest in 2021, with fund manager and commercial property owner Realside.
She joined the Property Council in 2017 on its industrial lands and infrastructure committee and climbed the ranks to become WA vice president in 2023.
She is also on the industrial and logistics committee of the South Australian Property Council, which she joined in 2023.
Responding to the appointment, Ms Drago stressed the importance of industrial land supply for the state’s future.
“I hope my extensive experience in the sector will assist the Property Council, WA Government and wider industry in delivering the industrial land our state needs for economic growth,” she said.
“Housing supply and the commercial real estate sector also face many roadblocks that are slowing Western Australia’s economic growth.
“I look forward to continuing to advance the advocacy priorities of the Property Council WA to overcome these challenges.”
Property Council of Australia WA Division executive director Nicola Brischetto said Ms Drago was hugely successful in her own business and a passionate advocate for the industry.
“She brings enthusiasm and commitment to her new role as Property Council WA President. I know that we can make a real difference under her guidance,” she said.
“Our industry will play a pivotal role in tackling Western Australia’s housing crisis and diversifying our state’s economy.
“Julie will be an invaluable asset in tackling these issues as the new Property Council WA Division President.”
Ms Brischetto thanked Richard Kilbane for his contribution to the industry body.
