Silkwood, Adelaide River: LAWD Katherine knocks $4m off asking price for Dr John Cooper’s land
There is a renewed campaign to sell three properties totalling 35,000ha-plus and belonging to a prominent Sydney GP, with the minimum sale price coming down by millions and a new parcel to be added to the portfolio.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
There is a renewed campaign to sell three sprawling properties at Adelaide River totalling 35,000ha-plus and belonging to a prominent Sydney GP, with the minimum sale price reducing by millions, and a new property added to the portfolio.
LAWD Katherine listed Silkwood, comprising three separate holdings - Adelaide River Downs, Spitfire Creek and the Grand Plateau - in mid 2024.
Totalling 35,766ha and originally part of the nearby Mt Bundy, Silkwood is described by owner Dr John Cooper, a Sydney-based general practitioner, as a “magnificent paradise” replete with hot springs, waterfalls, and hidden gorges.
Dr Cooper was originally seeking offers over $18m, with the properties available to be either individually purchased or sold one-in-line, but recently the agents indicated they would consider offers over $14m.
Meanwhile, a new parcel is to be added to the portfolio in the new year.
The new parcel, Anniversary Creek, neighbours Robin Falls and contains sandstone outcrops from the same system that forms Litchfield National Park’s Lost City, as well as a rainforest and swimming hole.
The largest of the existing properties in the portfolio is Adelaide River Downs, a 28,897ha Crown lease in perpetuity, strategically positioned near the Port of Darwin and ideal for a cattle trading depot or for livestock grazing and horticultural ventures.
Its price expectation is now $7m.
Spitfire Creek, a 1299ha freehold parcel, suitable for grazing, spelling cattle, and potential subdivision into lifestyle parcels, has a new guide of $2m, while the guide for Grant Plateau, a 5570ha freehold parcel with significant development upside and previous approval for a 30-lot subdivision, is now $5m.
“While our client is highly motivated to sell, they are not under pressure and remain open to discussions to secure a deal for these unique assets,” LAWD Katherine agent Olivia Thompson said.
Dr Cooper, who was the Robin to Dr Fred Hollows’ Batman when the famous eye doctor set up his medical charity in the early 1990s, previously told this masthead he had been hiving off his landholdings over the past few years in preparation for his impending retirement from medicine.
Dr Cooper was a frequent visitor to the Top End, using Darwin as a springboard for his overseas forays to East Timor and Sumatra for philanthropic work.
Employers underpaid NT workers $300m worth of super over five years
In a single year, Territorians missed out on $55m worth of superannuation they were legally entitled to, and $300m over five years, as the commonwealth ramps up moves to hold non-compliant employers accountable.
Crime, curfews and politics: Turbulent 2024 for Red Centre
Two curfews, one visit from the Prime Minister, and a baby hospitalised interstate: here are the biggest moments in Alice Springs and the Red Centre in 2024.