Two Lower Namoi Regulated River General Security water licences will be offered for permanent transfer in an online auction later this month. Pic: Supplied
In this week's property roundup: Two Lower Namoi Regulated River General Security water licences, totalling 609ML, will go to online auction later this month. Gina Rinehart has added a $35 million cattle station to her growing Wagyu empire. Meanwhile, AlburyCity has secured the $18 million Maryvale Aggregation to futureproof its water infrastructure.
Size: 522ML and 87ML
Location: Lower Namoi Regulated River
Sale method: Online auction - 10am on May 29 via AuctionsPlus
Price guide: N/A
Two Lower Namoi Regulated River General Security water licences - totalling 609ML - will be offered for permanent transfer in an online auction later this month.
The auction, conducted by Nutrien Harcourts Narrabri, will commence at 10am on May 29 via AuctionsPlus.
The licences include 522ML and 87ML allocations and will be sold inclusive of all water in account.
Nutrien Harcourts Narrabri agent James Thomas said the online auction format provided greater reach and flexibility for buyers.
“The (online) auction process gives us a platform for competition,” he said.
“Feedback from our clients has been great. They can log on and participate from their offices on the farm and have the time and the flexibility to make those decisions while the auction is running.”
Buyers of permanent water licences typically include other irrigators looking to expand their water portfolio or those seeking to shore up supply in variable seasons.
“It’s water that is held in Lake Keepit,” Mr Thomas said.
“The regulated system means there's always a big dam that sits at the top of the system. As the dam fills up, people get a percentage of their license and then they ring up and order it when they want it. Then it's accessed within a few days when it reaches their pump site and comes down through the river systems. “
He added that in the current climate, interest in water assets remains steady.
“Water's become very sought after," Mr Thomas said.
“They separated the ownership, where you can buy water separate to land, in late 1990s, early 2000s, and since then the water markets out here have grown to be the same size, if not bigger, than the land markets.
“In the Lower Namoi there's only 255,000ML of general security, so it is very sought after. They're not making any more of it.”
All prospective buyers must register with the selling agent prior to the auction in order to place a bid.
Size: 7,000ha
Location: Jindabyne Station, northern NSW
Sale price: $35 million
Australia’s richest woman, Gina Rinehart, has quietly expanded her agricultural footprint with the $35 million purchase of Jindabyne Station in northern NSW.
The 7,000ha property, located 23km east of Ashford, was acquired through S. Kidman & Co—marking the company’s first station purchase in more than two decades.
With the capacity to run 3,500 breeding cows, Jindabyne will be integrated into the fast-growing Kidman Premium Wagyu operation.
The acquisition adds to a series of recent strategic moves by Rinehart, who owns 67 per cent of S. Kidman & Co alongside minority partner Shanghai CRED.
Earlier this year, she paid more than $70 million for the 10,000ha Wongaboori Station near Mendooran, lifting her holdings in the region to more than 26,000ha.
Rinehart’s agricultural investments have increasingly focused on premium beef production following the sale of ten cattle stations—totalling 6.7 million hectares—which she described as a strategic shift towards more intensive, high-quality operations. Her Glencoe Aggregation in the same region, spanning 16,600 hectares, now supports more than 12,000 full-blood and F1 Wagyu cattle.
Through Hancock Agriculture and S. Kidman & Co, Rinehart controls more than 3.5 million hectares of land and is one of Australia’s largest beef producers, with over 150,000 head of cattle nationwide.
Size: 961ha
Location: Pike River, South Australia
Sale method: EOI opening soon
Price guide: $75-$85 million
One of Australia's largest and most technologically advanced table grape enterprises, Talia Farms, has hit the market and is expected to generate strong global interest from investors and fresh produce operators.
US-based asset manager RRG Capital Management has appointed Colliers to manage the sale of the Riverland-based operation, which includes 230ha of premium proprietary grape varieties and a high-tech packing facility in Lyrup, South Australia.
Talia Farms is expected to fetch between $75 million and $85 million.
The vertically integrated business has been meticulously developed to target key export markets in the Asia-Pacific region, delivering same-day pick, pack, and dispatch capabilities.
The property is also offered with a neighbouring 594ha greenfield development site, suitable for a range of high-value horticultural crops including almonds, citrus or additional grape plantings.
Colliers' National Director, Jesse Manuel, described the listing as a rare and ready-made opportunity.
“Talia Farms is a turn-key horticultural operation newly developed to an exceptionally high standard. Featuring advanced technology, premium table grape varieties, and a robust business model, the enterprise is primed for long-term success,” he said.
The site includes 14 proprietary varieties selected in consultation with breeders, agronomists and marketers to maximise quality, shelf life and export value.
RRG’s investment has enabled buyers to step into a cash-positive business with mature vines and infrastructure already in place.
“Talia Farms is positioned for strong financial performance, with income on a growth trajectory,” Mr Manuel said.
The operation’s automated packing facility rapidly drops fruit temperatures from 34.0°C to 0.5°C within an hour, helping maintain quality from vine to shelf.
Fellow Colliers National Director, Tim Altschwager, noted the farm’s advanced sustainability measures and global demand.
“Talia Farms incorporates modern systems to minimize waste while meeting stringent export-market requirements,” he said.
“With established relationships in both domestic and international markets, Talia Farms' focus on high-quality, high-performing varieties sets it apart from other producers, driving increasing demand.”
Talia Farms and the adjoining greenfield site will be offered via International Expressions of Interest, opening soon.
Size: 777ha
Location: Maryvale Aggregation, Ettamogah
Sale price: $18 million
AlburyCity Council has confirmed the $18 million purchase of the 777ha Maryvale Aggregation near Ettamogah, in what is being hailed as the most significant land acquisition in the city’s history.
The strategic buy from Visy forms part of Council’s draft Water and Wastewater Master Plans, designed to deliver long-term water security and support Albury’s rapid growth. The site will house a future wastewater treatment facility north of the city, catering to the booming Thurgoona-Wirlinga precinct.
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said the deal aligns with Council’s commitment to securing infrastructure for future generations.
“We are one of Australia’s fastest-growing regional cities. People want to live, work and invest here, but we need affordable infrastructure that ensures we can deliver essential services for them, while supporting sustainable growth across our whole community,” he said.
“This acquisition will enable the delivery of critical wastewater infrastructure and is significantly more cost-effective than other alternatives considered in the draft masterplans.”
The site, marketed as an “investment scale landbanking opportunity”, sits within the Albury Regional Job Precinct and offers extensive development potential thanks to its zoning and proximity to transport infrastructure including the Hume Highway, Davey Road interchange and Ettamogah Rail Hub.
Council CEO Frank Zaknich said the purchase will unlock significant infrastructure development.
“This acquisition paves the way for the construction of an additional wastewater treatment plant north of the city to cater for the expected growth of Thurgoona-Wirlinga,” he said.
Funding for the purchase comes from existing wastewater reserves, with future works to be supported through development contributions, grants and loan funding.
Visy Director of Corporate Development Lynda Cheng welcomed the outcome: “Visy welcomes the opportunity to work with Albury City Council to enable strategic use of the site for the betterment of Albury’s future.”
Elders Real Estate’s Henry Mackinnon and Nick Myer facilitated the sale.
Size: 57ha
Location: 245 Avondale Rd, Tarpeena
Sale method: EOI closing 12pm on July 4 (unless sold prior)
Price guide: N/A
A remarkable off-grid equestrian estate just 15 minutes north of Mount Gambier, in South Australia, has hit the market, offering a rare combination of equine excellence, grazing potential and eco-living.
Located at 245 Avondale Road, Tarpeena, the 57ha property is for sale via expressions of interest closing 12pm on Friday, July 4(unless sold prior).
Set across two titles, the property features a high-spec equestrian setup, including a fully powered 24x40m undercover arena enclosed within a 40x34m high-clearance shed.
Outside, a full-sized grass showjumping course, complete with a water jump and cross-country bank, adds professional-level scale and variety.
“This property is a true sanctuary, offering unparalleled privacy and the opportunity to live completely off-grid without sacrificing modern comforts,” Ray White Mount Gambier Principal and selling agent Tahlia Gabrielli said.
"The equestrian facilities here are second to none, making it an ideal choice for serious horse enthusiasts or those looking to start an equine business."
Outside, a full-sized grassed showjumping arena with cross-country bank and water jump adds variety and scale, while stallion Horserail and Hotcote fencing secure 20+ professionally renovated paddocks, each serviced by automatic troughs.
Raceways and laneways provide seamless access across the property, with 98 per cent of the fencing near new and all internal fences being electric.
There's also a near-new set of hardwood cattle yards, a large hay shed (about 9m x 16.5m), multiple holding yards and a sand mining licence.
Built in 2016, the two-storey off-grid home combines rustic charm with modern comfort. The central open-plan living, dining and kitchen area is defined by rich natural timbers, exposed beam ceilings and wide floorboards. Expansive picture windows capture views across the paddocks, while a baker’s oven with wetback provides both ambience and powers the home’s hydronic slab heating.
“The combination of rustic charm and modern amenities in the home creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that's perfect for family living and entertaining,” Ms Gabrielli said.
Configured with three oversized bedrooms, the home also includes a second living area that could be converted into additional bedrooms or a work-from-home zone. The master suite features a walk-in robe, ensuite and balcony access.
“This is more than just a home; it's a lifestyle opportunity for those seeking a connection to nature and a passion for equine pursuits,” Ms Gabrielli said.
Size: 177ha
Location: Boo Boo Rd, Bellata
Sale method: Online auction via AuctionsPlus at 10am on June 4.
Price guide: N/A
A productive dryland cropping block in one of northern NSW’s most reliable rainfall regions is set to go under the hammer in early June.
Covering 177ha, ‘Bee Bee’ is located northeast of Narrabri and southeast of Moree, in the well-regarded Bellata cropping district.
Listed through Nutrien Harcourts Narrabri, the farm will be auctioned online via AuctionsPlus at 10am on June 4.
With around 169ha under cultivation, the property features rich black self-mulching basalt soils and a strong record of producing cotton, Durum wheat, bread wheats and chickpeas.
Paul Thomas of Nutrien Harcourts said the block offered excellent value for growers looking to expand.
“It’s a smaller block, but what it does do is make farmers that are looking for an add-on block …more viable,” he said.
“It’s a good add-on farming property and that’s where we’re seeing the interest – from people in the area looking for a little bit more country.”
He said the block had the right profile and conditions for either winter or summer cropping.
“The quality of the soils there… they’re like heavy black self-mulching soil. It’s efficient farming – it’s done on minimum tillage and they’re nice long, straight, open runs for farming, which makes it ideal for both winter and summer cropping.”
‘Bee Bee’ is currently coming off a wheat crop and benefits from excellent stubble cover and a full moisture profile following strong recent rainfall.
“It’s had a lot of rain there – 40 millimetres just in the last week,” Mr Thomas said.
The property includes a bore supplying a 22,500L tank via an electric submersible pump, and is easily accessed from the Newell Highway at Bellata via Berrigal Creek Rd and Boo Boo Gurley Lane.
Kylie Dulhunty is a journalist with more than 20 years experience covering everything from court to health. Today, Kylie loves nothing more than turning market trends, industry insights and epic property sales - residential, rural and commercial into captivating stories
