Romeo Lahey

Romeo Watkins Lahey, M.B.E, (2 June 1887 – 26 October 1968) was an Australian businessman, civil servant and conservationist.

Early life Romeo Watkins Lahey was born 2 June 1887 in Pimpama, Queensland, Australia. His father was David Lahey, an Irish-born farmer and timber miller, and his mother was Jane Jemima (née Walmsley), a homemaker. Lahey was one of twelve children, with three sisters and eight brothers: Frances Vida Lahey, Noel Alaric Lahey and Percival Ethelburt Lahey, Oswald Lahey, Jerome Lahey Jayne Lahey, Mavis Denholme (nee Lahey)

Education Lahey received his education at Pimpama State school, Junction Park State School, Normal School and Brisbane Grammar School; his first job was as a clerk at AMP Limited. Lahey studied civil engineering at the University of Sydney. After World War I, he took up town planning at London University.

Career

A keen explorer, Lahey enjoyed roaming the forests with his spare time. His father, David Lahey, also one of Tamborine Shire Council's councillors, inspired Lahey to be a conservationist.

In April 1930, Lahey founded the National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ), where he served as president till his death in 1968. Arthur Groom and a few supporters of theirs are credited for founding Queensland Holiday Resorts Limited and establishing Binna Burra Mountain Lodge, located next to Lamington National Park. During World War II, Lahey served again in the army, ranking as a major. Lahey died at his home in Yeronga, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He was cremated with Anglican rites.

Legacy In 1970, the Queensland Government opened a lookout named Kamurun in his memory at Lamington National Park.