RICHARD and Dyan Hughes, Wentworth, Clermont, have bought the Nebo property Bluevale for $5.6 million at an Elders auction in Mackay today.
Offered by Graham and Linda Huddy, the auction followed 14 inspections. Four of the seven registered bidders were active at the auction.
The 3251 hectare (8029 acre) enterprise encompasses two freehold titles and is able to carry a significant livestock herd. Some 750 cattle and plant were offered with the property.
Marekting agent Robert Murolo, Elders, said the sale price was estimated to be equal to about $1480/hectare ($600/acre) on a bare basis.
The Huddy’s bought Bluevale in 2009 and have improved the property significantly with clearing and pasture improvement. There has also been a major fencing program and improvements to the waters. An internal road and stock laneway system has also been installed.
Located 7km east of Nebo, Bluevale is described as a balance of fertile black self-mulching flats.
Deep alluvial soil run along Nebo Creek together with areas of cleared brigalow, ironbark and bloodwood on the southern side of the Peak Downs Highway. The property has good pastures throughout. There is established buffel grass as well as black spear, Indian couch and stylos.
Bluevale has run a high-quality Brahman, Limousin and Charolais herd of about 1000 head year round, in addition to fodder production and cropping up to 1400ha.
Water is supplied by three bores and from the Nebo Creek. There are also two water licenses totaling 61 megalitres.
Improvements include a four bedroom homestead, four bedroom manager’s residence, workers’ accommodation, a four bay machinery shed, a four bay hay/machinery shed, and steel cattle yards.