This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
A HIGHLY productive large scale dairy aggregation in the West Gippsland region east of Melbourne has hit the market, as milk prices surge across the country.
The 372-hectare Pine Hill dairy operation has been developed over the last 17 years by the Shannon Group and is located on the boundary of the Bunyip State Park in Labertouche, around 25km out from Warragul and 70km from Melbourne.
Matt Childs and James Auty from CBRE has been appointed to manage the sale in one line or as three individual lots, on behalf of the Shannon Group via an expressions of interest campaign.
“Properties of this scale, presentation and current operational condition rarely become available,” said Childs.
The 178-hectare primary Pine Hill site includes the dairy infrastructure and one three-bedroom residence with separate living areas.
While the 189-hectare Eastern Portion includes a further milking platform and fodder production.
The third site on Alcorn Road spans five hectares and was conceived as “weekender” property for the vendor, with a three- or four-bedroom home, an American barn and established and manicured landscaped gardens.
“Shannon Group has developed an impressive dairy enterprise at Pine Hill, which offers potential for alternate uses such as beef, equine or intensive irrigated cropping,” added Childs.
Across the aggregated properties 361-hectares are arable, with a pasture program including rye and clover grasses on rotation. In addition to crops such as turnips, chicory, millet and plantain.
The property benefits from 1,000mm of annual average rainfall, underpinned by multiple water supplies and infrastructure.
The soils at the site are a mix of sandy loams to heavier black loam with alluvial qualities.
“The property’s infrastructure has been established and maintained to the highest standards to support the farming operations, and offers luxurious living conditions for two separate families,” said Auty.
Pine Hill has improvements such as a 50-stand Westfalia rotary dairy with two 200-built 10,000L vats, calf, machinery, plant and hay sheds, a feed pad, loafing area, workshop, vet room, staff amenities and office space.
“Pine Hill also has significant urban-growth landbanking potential, given the expansion of Melbourne’s outer-eastern suburbs,” concluded Childs.
