West Gippsland dairy aggregation going to market

10 May 2022

A 372ha dairy enterprise at the foothill of the Baw Baw ranges in the West Gippsland region east of Melbourne has been listed for sale.

Pine Hill is located in Labertouche on the boundary of the Bunyip State Park, within one of Victoria’s most picturesque districts, approximately 25km from Warragul and 70km from Melbourne.

The property has been aggregated and developed over the past 17 years by the Shannon Group, and is currently home to a highly-productive, large-scale dairy operation. 

It is being offered for sale in one line or as three individual lots.

The primary, 178ha Pine Hill site features the dairy infrastructure and one residence, the 189ha Eastern Portion provides an additional milking platform and fodder production, and the 5ha Alcorn Road property was established as a ‘weekender’ for when the vendor visits the region.

CBRE’s Matt Childs and James Auty have been appointed to manage the sale campaign on behalf of the Shannon Group, with Expressions of Interest invited by 4pm AEST on June 8.

“Properties of this scale, presentation and current operational condition rarely become available,” Mr Childs noted.

“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.

“Pine Hill also has significant urban-growth landbanking potential, given the expansion of Melbourne’s outer-eastern suburbs.”

A total of 361ha of the property is arable, and a rotational pasture program encompasses rye and clover grasses, and crops including turnips, chicory, millet and plantain.

Pine Hill receives an annual average rainfall of 1,000mm, supplemented by multiple water supplies and infrastructure, while soils are a mix of sandy loams to heavier black loam with alluvial qualities.

Improvements include a 50-stand Westfalia rotary dairy with two 10,000L vats, built in 2007, calf, machinery, plant and hay shedding, a feed pad, loafing area, workshop, vet room, staff amenities and professional office space.

Located on the primary lot, the modern manager’s residence has three bedrooms and separate living areas.

The three- or four-bedroom, weekender-style home on the Alcorn Road lot features an American barn, established and manicured landscaped gardens with a spectacular view across the farm towards the Baw Baw Ranges.

“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,” Mr Auty added.