Peter Wise, of Wises Farm in Buderim, dies after short illness aged 82

A well-known Sunshine Coast farmer who owned one of the biggest farms in the region has been remembered as a “good bloke” by his family and friends after his passing. SPECIAL TRIBUTE WITH PHOTOS

Peter Wise

Grieving family members and the community have paid tribute to a well-known Sunshine Coast farming identity, famous for growing figs near a major motorway, following his death.

Buderim farmer Peter Wise died on January 22, aged 82, after a short stay in hospital.

The family released a statement following the farmer’s death, saying he was a “proud Australian” with a passion for farming.

“He was also a strong community advocate, always seeking sound, logical planning outcomes for the Sunshine Coast,” the statement read.

“Peter is survived by his wife Ivy, children and grandchildren and will be dearly missed.”

Peter Wise had been working the land at his family farm for 60 years.

Community members and a state MP also paid tribute to the farmer.

Ninderry MP Dan Purdie said it was sad news.

Peter Wise is survived by Ivy, his children and grandchildren.

“Condolences to the Wise family,” he said.

“He was a good bloke.”

Loved ones help pick figs at Wises Farm in Buderim.

Community member Rhys George said Mr Wise was an “honest, genuine soul” who was “wise by name and wise by nature”.

Fellow community member Donna Hurst said the best part of living near Wises Farm was overlooking the land and hearing the cows. “Thank you Mr Wise and for making this area one of the best places on the Sunny Coast to live,” she said.

Peter Wise died on January 22.

The Wises Farm on Wises Rd, named after the family and which can be seen from the Sunshine Mwy, was started by Mr Wise’s grandfather Frederick in 1901 and was first called Palmyra.

Peter Wise. Picture: Tegan Annett

Mr Wise started farming the property with his father full-time in 1958, at age 17.

He attended Buderim State School and left school at 14 years old to work for the Queensland Railways.

He was also a keen pilot and gained flying qualifications in the 1960s.

In that same decade, Peter purchased about 121ha of land adjoining Palmyra.

Peter Wise held one of the biggest property parcels in the Maroochydore area.

Four generations of Wises have worked the land and figs and coffee are currently produced.

The farm garnered much attention when 35ha of the prime Sunshine Coast land was announced for sale in 2022 as it is the last major parcel of undeveloped land in the suburb.

Mr Wise also vowed to fight the Sunshine Coast Council in 2020 after he was slapped with an infringement notice for signs on his Sunshine Mwy-facing farm.

The enforcement notice claimed several signs were not compliant with local laws, including the “fresh figs Wises Rd”, “Shade Sheds” and three signs on one pylon for Lifepointe Baptist Church, Guide Dogs and Crimestoppers.

Mr Wise also wrote a book, which was publicised in 2013, about his family’s history and his thoughts on the council at the time.

He was an advocate for “buying local” and campaigned for stricter controls on imported produce.

A service celebrating Mr Wise’s life will be held at 1pm on Tuesday, January 30 at Gregson and Weight, 159 Wises Rd, Buderim.

Originally published as Peter Wise, of Wises Farm in Buderim, dies after short illness aged 82