Ex-treasurer’s estate ’sanctuary’ for sale
FORMER Queensland treasurer Keith De Lacy is selling his beloved Cairns estate.
The Labor Party stalwart – who served as Member for Cairns from 1983 to 1998 – and his wife Yvonne are moving to their Brisbane CBD apartment.
Mr De Lacy, 76, said putting the Redlynch property on the market was a painful decision.
“It is quite traumatic because I love Cairns and this home, but we have decided to consolidate,” he said.
“I have effectively been liv- ing between Cairns and Brisbane for the past 30 years, which is not the easiest or cheapest way to live.”
At 28-30 Robb Rd, Redlynch, the sprawling property is set on 8600sq m and features two separate houses.
Construction finished in 1989, the year Mr De Lacy became the 41st Treasurer of Queensland.
“I’ve always said there are several reasons why 1989 was a signature year: the Berlin Wall fell; the Goss Government was elected . . . and we moved into this home,” he said.
“It was always a sanctuary in a busy life and has remained that way throughout.”
The main home has been completely renovated while the second house is a contemporary Queenslander.
The estate’s many features include a putting green, cricket nets, a self-contained granny flat and a 5m lap pool.
“I still do 10 laps every evening which, even at my grand old age, is a great way to unwind,” Mr De Lacy said.
An avid golfer, Reef Casino Trust board member and patron of Cairns Amateurs, Mr De Lacy will maintain several ties to the Far North.
He said the majority of his interests were now in Brisbane.
“I always say that you don’t stop work because you grow old, you grow old because you stop work,” Mr De Lacy said.
Mr and Mrs De Lacy’s Redlynch property is listed for offers over $1.2 million.
Selling agent Debbie North of Elders Cairns said the estate had been their “pride and joy”.
“It is a lovely hideaway but still only just minutes from shops and schools,” she said. To make an offer, or for more information, call Debbie North on 0412 770 953.