Reliable high rainfall - the main driver in North Queensland rural property market: HTW rural
The depth of the horticultural market in far north Queensland will be tested with a large mixed avocado and sugar cane property being offered to the market, according to the latest Herron Todd White (HTW) rural report.
The report notes the property, located at Arriga (pictured below), comprises 1,576 hectares developed with 31,483 young Hass variety avocado trees and a sugar operation producing around 120,000 tonnes per annum.
The irrigation water allocation of 8,732 megalitres is one of the larger allocations in the region.
Combined with extensive structural improvements and supporting infrastructure, it is expected to generate interest from corporate buyers and local larger family operators.
The market for well-watered Atherton Tableland grass country continues to be strong with numerous recent sales to western graziers and others seeking drought proof fattening country.
The latest is a 120-hectare piece (pictured below) at Moregatta on the southern Tablelands that sold under the hammer for $1.24 million at auction with strong interest.
The sale analysed to $7,802 per hectare ex-structures.
"What makes it a bullish sale is that it was a deceased estate / administrator’s sale in run down condition requiring repairs, however this is consistent with the recent bullish trend," HTW said.
The report notes reliable high rainfall is the main driver in this market with rainfall throughout the Atherton Tablelands ranging between 1,500 millimetres and 2,500 millimetres per annum.
Recent wet seasons in north Queensland have been above average and this is consistent with Bureau of Meteorology rainfall statistics borne out in the below illustration.
"If rainfall trends continue, it is likely that Atherton Tableland grass country will be a hot spot for west graziers for many years to come," the valuation firm said.
