Joe Attard’s Notes Park Grazing Co in Homebush approved by Mackay council for functions

A Queensland cattle property known for its farm tours, lunches and weddings complete with helicopters claims it forked out tens of thousands for council approval — eight years after opening.

A cattle farm which hosted weddings, farm tours and functions has spent $60,000 to secure a local council approval eight years after opening — but the owner claims council told him it was all fine.

Homebush, Mackay based Note Park Grazing Co. was first opened in 2013.

Owner Joe Attard started organising farm tours and lunches to promote their beef in 2016, later adding events and weddings to his Barrie Lane property.

One particularly lavish ceremony included a helicopter landing right in the paddock.

Mr Attard was first known for his beef business, which prompted him to start hosting lunches at his Homebush property. Picture: Tony Martin

Mr Attard said he called council at the time and asked about the possibility of hosting functions and farm tours on his property to which they said “it was all ok”.

This publication contacted Mackay council to ask if those conversations took place, but council denied the opportunity to respond on the record.

An anonymous complaint in 2023 turned the council’s eyes on Mr Attard’s business, and he was tasked to lodge a development application to designate his property as a function facility.

After 8 years of performing weddings and farm tours, Note Park Grazing Co. finally has council approval to host events.

“They made it look like I’ve done everything wrong,” Mr Attard said.

Mr Attard said council employees had used his property for lunches and taken tours in the past.

“They’re sending me broke to tell you the truth,” he said.

This publication asked Mackay council if its employees had attended any functions at the venue.

It declined to respond on the record.

Mr Attard said he already spent $60,000 engaging a planning consultant and proceeding with the application process.
He expects this figure to increase with the onsite upgrades to waste treatment capacity and build a bitumen access road to his property that is now required.

“I’ve been asking friends and family for money,” he said.

“It’s not been good for the mental health side of things.”

The 2020 helicopter landing was something Mr Attard wanted to replicate, discussing the possibility of starting Pioneer Valley helicopter tours with Note Park as the final destination.

The most lavish event Mr Attard hosted was a wedding where the bride and groom arrived in a helicopter.
He’s since pitched Pioneer Valley helicopter tours landing at his venue on the business’ Facebook page, and said he was talking with tourism operators.

“Over the Connors Range land at Note Park and be greeted with a cold beverage and a grazing platter followed by a mini property tour,” the post states.

Adding on to his financial woes, Mr Attard said the venue has had fewer bookings this year.

“It hasn’t been good, especially with these expenses,” he said.

“I just can’t wait for it to be over so I can move on with my life.”

Mr Attard’s application was approved by council unanimously and he hopes to get more function bookings.

Originally published as Joe Attard’s Notes Park Grazing Co in Homebush approved by Mackay council for functions