Property

FNQ calf factory could make $35m

Property editor Linda Rowley, 28/04/2021

Bellevue is rated to carry 15,000 adult equivalents. The current Brahman cross cattle herd of around 10,000 breeders and followers is available, along with the plant and equipment.

MORE than $35m is anticipated for agribusiness identity Nick Burton-Taylor’s unique large scale cattle breeding enterprise in Far North Queensland.

The 211,664ha Bellevue Aggregation, comprising the 85,564ha Bellevue Station and the 126,100ha Nychum Station, features undulating open and timbered savannah grasslands dissected by numerous creeks and watercourses.

Situated on the Mitchell River near Chillagoe, 300km north west of Cairns, it neighbours Consolidated Pastoral Company’s Wrotham Park.

Mr Burton-Taylor, who heads up Hillgrove Pastoral, is a former chairman of the Australian Agricultural Co, which previously owned the neighbouring Wrotham Park. He purchased Bellevue 20 years ago, and not long after secured the adjoining Nychum.

Mr Burton-Taylor said in his position as AA Co chair, he became aware of the region’s powerful breeding capacity and operational scale.

“Wrotham Park was an integral component of the AA Co portfolio and the efficiencies it offered in providing young stock to other stations was strategically valuable.”

“I saw the same opportunity with Bellevue and when we had the benefit of acquiring the neighbouring property known as Nychum, the aggregation was complete,” Mr Burton-Taylor said.

Land Agribusiness Water Development (LAWD) agents Col Medway and Danny Thomas have been appointed to take Bellevue Aggregation to market.

“The enterprise is conservatively managed over a stunning landscape, providing both compelling economies of scale as a calf factory, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability,” Mr Medway said.

Mr Thomas said the property benefits from 80km of single and double frontage to the permanently flowing Mitchell River.

“The Mitchell is the largest volume river in Queensland and Bellevue Station has been identified by the CSIRO, as part of the Northern Development Proposal, as having the best dam site.”

This also creates an opportunity for large scale irrigation development, with the vendor lodging an expression of interest for a water licence from the river.

The enterprise is watered by 87 dams and 37 bores. Significant waterways include the Dry River, Elizabeth Creek, St George Creek and Big Watson. These waterways are usually free flowing during the wet season, providing permanent waterholes during the dry.

Bellevue Aggregation is rated to carry 15,000 adult equivalents. The current Brahman cross cattle herd (around 10,000 breeders and followers) is available, along with the plant and equipment.

Mr Medway said Mr Burton-Taylor had run the property in harmony with the environment, using sustainable grazing practices to enhance both economic and natural capital.

“It is a striking landscape boasting some wonderful features. The Elizabeth Falls and gorge provide a wilderness area of significance, as does also the sandstone escarpment and valley area surrounding Elizabeth Creek.”

There is exceptional bird diversity and abundance. To date 174 bird species have been identified, representing over 20 percent of the species on mainland Australia. This count does not include unofficial sightings of the Buff Breasted Quail, Australia’s rarest bird species and the extremely rare Night Parrot.

  • LAWD is looking for offers for the Bellevue Aggregation by expressions of interest closing on May 27.

 

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