Alan Acton killed in helicopter crash on Central Queensland property

Prominent pastoralist Alan Acton has been killed in a helicopter crash while mustering on his Central Queensland property.

Alan Acton has been killed in a helicopter crash in Central Queensland.

Queensland cattle royalty Alan Acton was killed on Tuesday after the helicopter he was piloting hit power lines on his family’s Central Queensland property.

Mr Acton was mustering cattle on Wilpeena, a large cattle property near Dingo, west of Rockhampton, when his chopper went down.

It is understood the helicopter, a Robinson R44, crashed in front of others who were helping with the muster on the historic cattle property.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene around 11.30am but it is understood the 65-year-old was killed instantly.

Graeme Acton (left) with brother Alan at the inaugural Middlemount race meeting in November 1987. The brothers and their dad Tom were the founding fathers of the race club. Picture: Supplied

Tributes flowed in on Tuesday afternoon for the respected Queensland cattleman, whose family has been rocked by tragedy.

Mr Acton’s brother Graeme, the former head of the Acton empire, died in 2014 after he was badly injured in a campdrafting accident.

His nephew Joseph died in a car crash near Normanton in 2011 and another relative, Brent, was also killed in a helicopter crash while mustering cattle in 2017.

In 2017, the family celebrated the 100-year anniversary of Wilpeena, which from 1927 to 2008 used to have picnic races which drew crowds of up to 3000.

Alan’s involvement in the agricultural industry spread not just across Central Queensland but the state and the country.

Agriculture Minister Mark Furner was among those to pay tribute to Mr Acton.

“I am devastated to hear of the death of Alan Acton,” he said.

“I would like to offer my deepest condolences to the Acton family.

“His is a great loss to the pastoral community of Central Queensland.”

Capricornia MP Michelle Landry also shared her condolences and said she was heartbroken to hear the news of his passing.

Jennifer and Alan Acton at the Wilpeena racetrack. Picture: Supplied

“Alan Acton was a dear friend who offered me great support and kindness over the years,” she said.

“Alan’s knowledge in all things grazing was astounding and will leave a lasting legacy in the agriculture industry. His loss will be felt for many years to come. “To Alan’s family, I send you my deepest condolences at your loss.

“He will be sorely missed by all.”

Alan was also well known in racing circles and was a prominent racehorse owner.

Rockhampton Jockey Club chairman Rob Carr offered his sombre condolences to the family.

“Alan was a great guy, he was well liked by many,” he said.

“The Acton family have been involved in racing, cattle and also good to community.

“It’s a very sad day for all.

Alan Acton pictured with Bill Reid and Gai Waterhouse. Picture: Supplied

“Everyone that knew Alan and his family will all be feeling it very hard.”

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed it was investigating the chopper crash.

“The ATSB has commenced a transport safety investigation into the collision with terrain of a four-seat Robinson R44 helicopter at a station at Bingegang, 140km west of Rockhampton, Queensland, on Tuesday,” Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said in a statement.

“ATSB investigators have now commenced early evidence collection and assessment activities, including gathering information from first responders and other stakeholders, to inform the scope of investigation activities.

“Investigators will also seek to obtain and review any recorded data, weather information, witness reports, and aircraft maintenance records, and will review pilot qualifications and experience.”

The Actons have been running cattle for 150 years and are considered Queensland’s most successful and wealthy farming family.

At the time of Graeme’s death, the family had a herd of 150,000 cattle across 1.4 million hectares in Central Queensland and the northwest.

In 2009, Alan Acton and his wife Jennifer bought a 8167ha property near Rockhampton for an eye-watering $16.6m.

Mr Acton described the purchase, which came with a homestead and 3500 head of cattle, as a “bargain”.

He said he had tried twice previously to buy the picturesque property