BACKGROUND
The apple industry in the Granite Belt, 200 km South West of Brisbane, was established shortly after World War 1. Since then there has been significant growth in apples and pear production, and more recently other fruits, vegetables, berries, particularly strawberries, and an emerging wine industry.

Stanthorpe, with a population of 10,000 is the regional centre. In addition to the fruit and vegetable industries, the region is important for its beef and sheep production, vineyards and tourism.

The region is strategically located on the New England Highway, which links Sydney and Brisbane. It is 9 hours from Sydney, and 2.5 hours from Brisbane.

Production services the Queensland market. The population of Queensland is 4,400,000, of a total Australian population of 20.5 million. About 1.3 million Queenslanders live in Brisbane, the State Capital.

PRICE
The property is available for sale by negotiation.

TERMS
Settlement : 30 days from signing and countersigning of the contract.

TRANSITION
Should a purchaser require the services of one or more of the Maritan family members for a period of 12 – 18 months, then this may be negotiated.

FUTURE POTENTIAL / EXPANSION
The Maritan family has been reducing the dependence of the property on apples, which experience price fluctuations, and are vulnerable to hail unless netted.

The cauliflowers are not as vulnerable to hail damage, and there is steady demand for them through the Rocklea Markets.

There is more than adequate water supply to support increased plantings of cauliflowers.

The current coolrooms can cope with additional throughput, so this is not an issue. Similarly, the packing shed is more than capable of handling additional volume of vegetables.

The property is also suitable for strawberry production.

SUMMARY
This is a good opportunity to purchase a sound, diversified horticultural operation, located within 220 km of Brisbane. With its good water storage and reticulation, and sound infrastructure, it offers the opportunity to live in a pleasant rural environment, within 15 minutes of a regional centre. The New England Highway is less than 10 minutes from the property.

This represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a well managed, profitable, and diverse agricultural enterprise.