Chunk Of Tassie Under Hammer
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday October 11, 1996
Rushy Lagoon, Tasmania's largest pastoral enterprise, is for auction on November 7. Settled in the late 1800s, the property is 10 kilometres north-east of Gladstone and 160 km north-east of Launceston.
In 1962 Amatil Corporation (formerly British Tobacco Ltd) bought 56,000 hectares and embarked on a massive land-clearing and pasture-improvement program. In 1977 Amatil sold a large portion known as Icena Estate. The rest, known as Rushy Lagoon, consisted of 19,000 ha and adjoining leasehold land of 5,221 ha, and this was also sold.
Rushy Lagoon is subdivided into about 70 paddocks and has an annual rainfall of 750 mm. The country is a balance of heavy peat soils, river flats, sandy loams, granite, basalt and mudstone. About 14,140 ha are arable, of which more than 10,000 ha have been ploughed and sown.
It is said to have the largest privately owned water scheme in Australia - the 880-megalitre Chum Dam and a 53 km water race.
There are three airstrips, three brick houses and two cottages, machinery sheds, office accommodation, haysheds and other outbuildings. There is an outstanding 20-stand shearing shed accommodating about 3,500 woolly sheep undercover. The wool room is large enough to store more than 800 bales. Sheepyards are extensive. Adjoining aluminium-clad shearers' quarters can accommodate 40 men. Ablution blocks, kitchen and dining buildings are in excellent condition.
The property has a breeding flock of about 16,500 ewes and a cow herd of more than 2,000 head, allowing for a quick return to higher numbers if required.
Agents handling the auction are L. J. Hooker Launceston, (03) 6334 4474 and Webster Limited Launceston on (03) 6322 0601.
Inspections are by appointment. The property is expected to sell for more than $10 million.
© 1996 Sydney Morning Herald
