Ernestina Plains cattle property sells under the hammer for nearly $15m

A Queensland cattle property once ravaged by devastating floods has changed hands for the first time in nearly half a century after it set a record in a $15m deal.

Ernestina Plains, an 11,354ha property between Cloncurry and Julia Creek, was knocked down for $14.8m at an auction on Tuesday.

A Queensland cattle property whose long-time owner spoke publicly of her heartbreak following devastating floods has sold under the hammer at auction for almost $15m in what agents say is a new record price for the area.

Ernestina Plains, an 11,354ha property between Cloncurry and Julia Creek, was knocked down for $14.8m at an auction on Tuesday.

It was sold by Mark and Gillian Bryant after 45 years of ownership, and snapped up by Dirranbandi-based Hemming Farms Pty Ltd, headed by Doug and Jacqui Hemming.

Mrs Bryant spoke of her devastation after floods ripped through the region in 2019, following several years of crippling drought, sweeping away scores of livestock.

“We haven’t mustered yet to allow the stock to recover from the mental trauma which they have been through,” she told rural women’s publication Graziher at the time.

“They have been quite haunted up to the last couple of weeks. When I do a water run, that is, checking the troughs etc., I just look at those beautiful faces which crowd around the vehicle and just think, ‘You poor darlings, you have been to hell and back’,⁠ and the thought of it still brings tears to my eyes.”⁠

Ernestina Plains, an 11,354ha property between Cloncurry and Julia Creek, was knocked down for $14.8m at an auction on Tuesday.

Selling agent Jim Brodie, of Brodie and Co, said the Bryants wanted to retire and the property had attracted strong interest.

“It’s very good, fertile country and the price would be easily a record for the area on a per acre basis,” he said.

“Both the sellers and buyers are very happy with the result.”

Ernestina Plains was sold with 962 head of Brahman cattle as well as extensive plant and equipment.

Gold Coast-based auctioneer Phil Black conducted the auction which attracted eight registered bidders and spirited bidding.

Originally published as Ernestina Plains cattle property sells under the hammer for nearly $15m