The combination of secure and extensive water in the renowned Maranoa region, supplemented by additional income from 22 Origin Energy gas wells, is expected to spark significant interest in Freeman Pastoral Co’s Meeleebee Downs, located 65* kilometres north-east of Roma in southern Queensland.

The 24,168* hectare property is anticipated to sell for more than $140 million. LAWD is offering the property to the market either as a whole or as any combination of four separate holdings with each holding having access to solar and electric powered Precipice bores.

Comprised of six freehold titles (STCA), Meeleebee Downs is currently running 3,000 breeders and has an estimated carrying capacity of 9,500* adult equivalents (AE).

This stocking rate is supported by an extensive system of watering points from four bores that tap into the Sandstone Precipice, a major aquifer in the Surat Basin, plus 18 shallow bores that together supply 71 tanks to a network of more than 200 gravity-fed troughs. The property also boasts 67 dams, further supported by an annual rainfall of 561* millimetres.

After being impressed by the quality of Meeleebee Downs cattle at a sale in 1959, the Freeman family bought the property and began to implement their philosophy of bringing water to cattle, rather than cattle to water.

“When bought in 1975, Meeleebee Downs was an undeveloped brigalow, bottle tree and belah block and the Freemans set about establishing, on average, four watering points in each paddock, to best utilise available feed,” Kell Freeman said.

“The four solar and electric powered Precipice bores are deep and extremely reliable as they tap into the Great Artesian Basin and are capable of watering the entire holding. We also have frontage to the Slate Hill, Barton and Kangaroo Creeks, and extensive improved pastures of mainly Buffel and Rhodes grass, as well as native grasses and seasonal medics.”

“The geographical location of the property means we’re often under early storms, and the rain we had in spring has continued, so we’re enjoying a very good season.”

Meeleebee Downs receives additional annuity from 22 Origin Energy gas wells, a communication tower and a Powerlink easement. The property also comes with a lease on an adjoining former stock route reserve comprising 173* hectares.

The predominantly undulating downs land consists of 10,250* hectares of Brigalow Belah scrub, 5,278* hectares of Poplar Box on duplex soils, 3,815* hectares of Brigalow with Blackbutt and 1,875* hectares of Poplar Box on alluvial plains.

The breeder herds are split into three – Hereford, Hereford-cross and a terminal herd joined to Santa Gertrudis and Angus – with cattle finished for EU and PCAS markets.

The property has six sets of wet cattle yards and is a short drive from Roma Saleyards, the largest cattle selling centre in Australia. The property is further benefitted by access to a network of cattle feedlots and beef processors in south-east Queensland.

A magnificent six-bedroom homestead with large downstairs rumpus room was recently re-roofed and is set in established gardens. There is also significant accommodation options for staff on Meeleebee Downs, including a renovated manager’s dwelling, renovated dwelling and numerous quarters.

Operational infrastructure on the property includes machinery sheds, workshops, vehicle sheds, a chemical shed, as well as a steel frame aircraft hangar. The property features bitumen access to trucking yards as well as a strategic fencing plan which links grazing areas to holding paddocks and yards, whilst leveraging various water sources, greatly enhancing productivity.

For LAWD Senior Director, Danny Thomas, it’s a case of ‘What’s not to like?’ about Meeleebee Downs, as a large-scale holding in one of Queensland’s most secure and proven beef production areas.

“The property is highly developed, it’s undergone significant transformation focusing on water infrastructure and reliability, improved pastures and extensive fencing, and there is the considerable ‘set and forget’ income from Origin Energy’s gas wells,” Mr Thomas said.

“We would expect Meeleebee Downs to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers, from institutional investors or corporate farming groups, to high net worth individuals and existing cattle industry operators seeking to expand.”

Meeleebee Downs is offered by Expression of Interest (either as a whole or as any combination of separate holdings) closing 12pm (AEDT) Wednesday 19 February 2025. For further information, please contact LAWD Senior Directors, Danny Thomas on 0438 349 977 or Tim McKinnon on 0448 802 309, or LAWD Director, Elizabeth Doyle on 0400 102 439.

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