Midway sandalwood farms in Douglas Daly region purchased by Rombola Family Farms

Five sandalwood farms totalling about 2500ha northwest of Katherine have been purchased by a horticulturalist with operations in NSW and Mataranka. Here’s what the future holds for the farms.

Midway Farms, part of the sprawling Midway Station in the Territory's Douglas Daly region, have been sold to Rombola Family Farms, which will grow melons and gourds on the property. Picture: LAWD Katherine

A portfolio of Indian sandalwood farms in the Douglas Daly region have been sold to a horticultural operation with significant local interests.

The Midway portfolio (Midway Farms A, B, C, D, E), part of the sprawling Midway Station that was purchased by Tropical Forestry Services in 2012 for a reported $4.5m, were sold earlier this month to Rombola Family Farms, which has existing operations in New South Wales and around Mataranka.

According to LAWD Katherine’s Olivia Thompson, the farms are a combined 2500ha and have an annual water licence of more than 7600ML.

“Rombola purchased the [farms] to expand their northern portfolio,” Ms Thompson said.

“They grow watermelons, rockmelons and pumpkins on their properties around Mataranka. “The property has a substantial amount of accommodation on it and ideal for horticulture.”

Rombola Family Farms at Mataranka. Picture: Facebook

According to LAWD Katherine’s listing, the farms, which are located on Oolloo Rd, were “ideally suited to high value cropping conversion (cotton, horticulture and intensive fodder production)”.

“[The farms are] benefited by quality soil types (clay loam and sandy soils), an ideal climate, and proximity to the Daly River which is located 5 kilometres to the west of the holding.

“Excellent structural improvements and operational infrastructure includes machinery shedding, workshop, chemical shed, an office, gravel airstrip, high quality irrigation infrastructure and substantial residential infrastructure (four residences and two staff accommodation units).”

The future influx of seasonal workers to Douglas Daly to harvest Rombola’s produce – the company already seasonally employs about 300 workers across its operations – will be a boost to the local economy, with accommodation providers already jostling for pole position.

“The recent acquisition of the Midway portfolio by Rombola Family Farms is set to be a game-changer for the Douglas Daly region,” Douglas Daly Holiday Park said in a statement.

“With an influx of workers expected to support this new agricultural venture, Douglas Daly Holiday Park is ready to meet the region’s growing needs.

“Known as the social hub of the Douglas Daly community, for residents and visitors, and alike, we have the only restaurant in the area, providing a vital gathering place and essential services for the community.

“With its strategic location and established reputation, Douglas Daly Holiday Park is ready to thrive, serving as a key meeting point for the vibrant and expanding community.”

LAWD Katherine is also in the process of selling another former Tropical Forestry Services sandalwood farm in the Douglas Daly region, Cadell, a 957ha holding with a water allowance of 2400ML.

“We are very close to securing a contract on this property,” Ms Thompson said.

Originally published as Midway sandalwood farms in Douglas Daly region purchased by Rombola Family Farms