Three out of four properties in the Matilda Downs portfolio sold under the hammer, and the fourth sold post auction. Photo: RBV Rural

IN CENTRAL Queensland, Bluegrass Plains has listed for $11 million, and the Matilda Downs portfolio has been split up and sold to four buyers for a total of close to $30M.

CQ’s Bluegrass Plains lists

RBV Rural is negotiating with interested parties for Bluegrass Plains in Queensland’s Central Highlands which has been listed for $11 million.

The scenic 1922ha grazing and dryland cropping enterprise is located 28km north-east of Capella and 56km from Clermont.

It is offered for sale by Charles Curran after 70 years of family ownership.

Mr Curran’s father, Dennis, drew the property in a ballot in 1956.

The undulating country has areas of brigalow scrub and semi-open downs.

Its black, grey and chocolate soils have a strong moisture profile following recent beneficial rain.

Around 1000ha is cultivated and contoured, with a typical rotation of sorghum and some mungbeans in summer, followed by wheat and chickpeas through the winter.

During the marketing campaign, agent Terry Ray said the incoming buyer could move quickly, with the entire cultivation area ready to plant.

“The vendors are willing, subject to an unconditional contract and deposit, to provide early access for winter crop preparation and sowing.”

Mr Ray said the new owner could run considerably higher numbers if the cash crops were converted to fodder production.

The balance of the property, including 200ha of Capella Creek finishing country, supports grazing of around 300 head of cattle on established buffel stands and native grasses.

The enterprise is watered by two dams and a bore.

Infrastructure includes a two-bedroom home, donga accommodation, cattle yards, numerous sheds and 633 tonnes of silo storage.

CQ portfolio makes $30M

Four buyers have collectively paid close to $30M for a premier cattle and cropping portfolio in Qld’s Central Highlands.

Aggregated and developed by the Shaw family over 15 years, the 4582ha Matilda Downs is located 5km west of Capella and 52km north of Emerald.

It comprises four adjoining but standalone properties – 1029ha Crystal Brook, 1035ha Bonnie Doon, 1277ha Matilda Downs, and 1240ha Mitchell Park.

RBV agent Matt Beard described the sale as in line with expectations but was unable to disclose the name of the buyers.

“Three of the four properties sold under the hammer, with Mitchell Park selling shortly afterwards for an undisclosed price above $10M.

“Three of the buyers were local and a fourth was from central-western Queensland.

“All were existing operators seeking expansion and grass.”

During the marketing campaign, Mr Beard explained Matilda Downs sits on some of Capella’s most fertile and reliable country, and in terms of water security and infrastructure, rivals most properties.

“Around 3000ha is heavy carrying-capacity country, boasting abundant feed and used to finish cattle.

“The remaining 1500ha is used for cultivation, with any fodder crops included in the sale.”

The organic beef and grain production on Matilda Downs is accredited for the European Union and certified as non-genetically modified, with additional certification covering the United States Department of Agriculture, South Korean requirements and Good Agricultural Practices.

Crystal Brook – $5.4M

Around 563ha of self-mulching heavy black soils is developed and contoured for cultivation. Around 237ha is ready for winter planting, while 326ha is growing silk sorghum. The 466ha balance is pastured, with open and semi-open box, ironbark, brigalow, bauhinia and ti-tree waterways. It is watered by an equipped bore and two dams. Infrastructure includes a four-bedroom home and cattle yards.

Bonnie Doon – $4.9M

Around 440ha is cultivated, including 160ha of waterways with two waterholes. Around 435ha is fenced for grazing and timbered with coolabah, blackbutt, brigalow, box and ironbark. It is watered by a dam and the Capella Creek, with seasonal waterholes. Infrastructure includes cattle yards.

Matilda Downs – $8.6M

Around 570ha of mostly self-mulching heavy black soils to areas of softwood scrub country is ready for winter planting. Around 706ha of improved pastures include areas of brigalow, blackbutt, bauhinia and box country. The predominantly lighter, loamy soils are displaying an impressive stand of pasture including buffel, panic, seca and other native pastures. It comes with a 680ML water licence and is watered by seven dams. Infrastructure includes a three-bedroom home, 2000-tonnes of grain storage, cattle yards and numerous sheds. Most fencing has been replaced in the last eight years.

Mitchell Park – $10M+

Around 1035ha of brigalow, bauhinia and softwood scrub country has been developed to pastures. Around 75ha of cultivation is under a centre pivot and was planted to oats in early April. A further 90ha is flood irrigated, 71ha is planted to forage sorghum, and 40ha to dryland cultivation. It is offered with two 680ML water licences, supported by five dams. Infrastructure includes a three-bedroom home, steel cattle yards and sheds.

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