UPDATE: Australia’s largest sheep station, Rawlinna, has officially been sold to the UK-based Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC), marking a significant shift in the nation’s agricultural landscape. This transaction, confirmed today, follows a lengthy sale process that began over seven months ago and highlights CPC’s re-entry into large-scale sheep and wool production.
Located in Western Australia’s (WA) Nullarbor region, Rawlinna spans more than 1 million hectares (approximately 2,585,520 acres). Previously owned by the MacLachlan family and Jumbuck Pastoral, the station had been on the market for several years. Today, CPC unveiled its new branding with staff donning fresh company uniforms, signaling a new chapter for this iconic property.
The sale was delayed due to Foreign Investment Review Board approvals and required the WA government’s approval of the pastoral lease transfer, which was granted by WA Planning and Lands Minister John Carey late last month. A government spokesman stated, “Combined, the Rawlinna aggregation covers more than one million hectares of land,” emphasizing the rigorous standards applied during the due diligence process.
Despite an attempt by mining tycoon Twiggy Forrest to acquire Rawlinna, planning delays halted his bid, allowing CPC to swoop in. Jumbuck Pastoral still maintains a substantial portfolio of sheep and cattle stations across Australia.
CPC’s CEO, Mr. Setter, shared his enthusiasm for the new acquisition, noting that the sheep at Rawlinna are “in really good condition” following two favorable seasons. His plans include expanding the current flock of 30,000 Merino sheep to 60,000 over the next two years, with a long-term vision to maximize the station’s capacity of 95,000 head.
“We could certainly retain the lambs and grow the flock, both breeding ewes and wethers, from production,” Mr. Setter explained. However, he acknowledged the immediate need to purchase additional sheep locally to meet the ambitious target.
As the agricultural community watches closely, another former Jumbuck Pastoral station, Madura Plains, is currently on the market. This neighboring property encompasses two pastoral leases covering 711,638 hectares (approximately 1,758,496 acres) and has a carrying capacity exceeding 60,000 sheep.
The transition of Rawlinna to CPC ownership not only reflects a major shift in the sheep industry but also underscores the ongoing evolution of pastoral management in Australia. With CPC’s plans for investment, the future of Rawlinna and its role in the global wool market is poised for a significant transformation.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and watch for CPC’s next steps in enhancing operations at Rawlinna.
