The sale of a prominent Cooriemungle dairy farm could be the barometer for farm sales this season in south-west Victoria, and the signs are looking good.
Selling agent Michael Stewart of Charles Stewart and Co said there had been very strong interest in the farm.
“We’ve had very strong interest in the property from dairying interests and also beef and sheep from the local region, all over Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and as far as Queensland,” Mr Stewart said.
“It has been a terrific cross section of interest and we’re delighted with it.”
The expression of interest process has closed and Mr Stewart said the family was hopeful of a positive result.
“Because of the quality, presentation and productivity of the property it was always going to attract strong interest. It’s an indication that things are starting to look far more positive and there’s light at the end of the tunnel for the industry.”
The farm was put on the market after the deaths of dairy farmers and Port Campbell surf lifesaving volunteers Ross and Andy Powell earlier this year.
The father and son, aged 71 and 32, died on Easter Sunday trying to rescue a man in rough seas off the coast near Port Campbell.
After the tragedy, the family has kept the Cooriemungle farm running, with neighbours and former staff pitching in to help before deciding in August to put it on the market.