THE Hatton family from Eidsvold in Central Queensland has paid $32.5 million or $3500/ha for Central Queensland bullock fattening depot Berrigurra Station near Blackwater.

For decades the 9285ha property was used by the Emerald Agricultural College to provide students with the opportunity to gain experience and develop their skills in cattle production and stock handling. It was shut down in 2019 by the Labor government.

When it was listed for sale in April, Virgil Kenny from Elders told Beef Central that many industry people had had an association with Berrigurra in one way or another.

“As a result, corporates and well-established grazing, farming and horticultural families from the Northern Territory and North Queensland showed strong interest in the property,” he said.

Water key feature.

The 3km of MacKenzie River frontage country features ponded pasture, established improved pastures and undulating brigalow, bottletree, associated softwood scrub.

There are 32 dams and a three-phase electric submersible pump situated in the permanent MacKenzie River delivering water to pipelines which service tanks and turkey nests.

Up until its closure, Berrigurra had been run as a cattle breeding, fattening and finishing enterprise, however it could easily be diversified into mixed grains, cereals and horticulture.

The Hatton family was not present at the auction, and it is unclear what their plans for the property are.

Mark McNamee from Elders QLD/NT said there were eight registered bidders at the Rockhampton auction, and the competition was fierce.

“It reflects how highly sought-after the property was – boasting sweet buffel  country with endless water.”

“The $32.5 million price tag represents fair value given the nature and potential of the property. Given recent sales, the price paid is at the higher end of that band,” Mr McNamee said.