Blackall country sets new auction record

This is believed to be a record price for property sold at auction in the central west region, according to Elders Blackall auctioneer, Des Cuffe, who also was the holder of the previous record of Lisnalee at Tambo, sold in 2007 for $348/acre.

The second, larger portion offered on Friday, Selvister and Linden, was passed in on a vendor bid of $7.6 million after bidding reached $7.3m.

Fairlea, consisting of two freehold titles covering 2590ha (6400 acres) 17km from Blackall, was sold to Michael and Paul Barron for $2.3m after bidding started at $1.8m.

The brothers, who were also bidding on the larger offering, are near neighbours of Fairlea, already owning Ansgrove.

The Jones brothers of Jericho and Bowen, and Damien and Elisha Parker, Aramac, were the other parties bidding for Fairlea.

The top price offered for the 13,305ha (32,878 acre) Selvister/Linden area equates to $548/ha ($221/acre), and was made by Peter Hick, Barcaldine.

Bidding began at $5m and went up in $100,000 increments.

Commentators said the sale showed strong ongoing interest for Blackall country, following the sale of Athol for $265/acre.

It’s understood Norwood, which is situated near Selvister/Linden, was sold for $220/acre, while Tarbarah, west of Blackall made in the vicinity of $225/acre.

Mr Cuffe said the three Wheelhouse family properties had received numerous inspections.

“Fairlea was of a size more people could afford and its position close to town was a great advantage,” he said. “I would describe the market today as pretty strong.”

The next Blackall district property set for auction is Prairie Downs, which will take place at the Ray White auction rooms in Brisbane on August 17.