THE Ilfracombe property Willowie has sold prior to auction to a Central Queensland buyer.
The blue ribbon property was scheduled to be offered by Colliers International on behalf of Martin and Jenny Forrest through an innovative four day online auction scheduled to conclude on December 8.
However, a buyer introduced by Boyd Curran from Landmark Longreach seized the opportunity to secure the property prior to auction. It is understood the property will used to run cattle. The sale price has not been disclosed.
Dating back to 1920, Willowie was drawn in the Tara resumption ballot by Martin’s father Bill Forrest at the very young age of 16.
The family then further aggregated country over time through the purchase of neighbouring properties Oakdale which was part of the renowned Wellshot Station (1925), Caithness (1944) and Eden Downs (1970s) to bring what is now the total area of 16,390 hectares including 1093ha of stock route (40,500 acres).
The property is centrally located 50km from both Longreach and Barcaldine to its boundary and has a further 8km bitumen access on the Dandaraga Road to all but 2km from the homestead and yards. The country comprises of high quality Mitchell grass downs with a mixture of soils, balanced with gidyea, boree, bauhinia and vinetree cover.
In 2005 over 4000ha of gidyea was also cleared adding significantly to its productive capacity. The property is watered by three sub-artesian bores and eight dams. There is also a large five bedroom Queenslander and established garden ideal for family living, plus a three bedroom workers’ cottage.
In the past six months the property has received more than 400mm of rain which has brought on a massive body of in season herbages ideal for fattening. It is currently destocked and offers the successful purchaser the opportunity for early stock access. Willowie has traditionally been a sheep operation with occasional cattle. There are three sets of sheep yards and a six stand shearing shed and quarters.
The marketing of Willowie was handled by Ben Forrest and Trenton Hindman from Colliers International.