Twiggy Forrest buys 1.5 million acre Springvale Station

By HARRY CLARKE

THE historic Springvale Station in Western Australia’s Kimberley region will be acquired by Andrew “Twiggy” and Nicola Forrest’s pastoral company Harvest Road, pending approval

The “Springvale Aggregation” consists of a total 604,430 hectares (1,493,560 acres) and comprises four pastoral leases – Springvale, Mable Downs, Alice Downs, and Texas Downs.

The mammoth property is situated in the East Kimberley region, about 70 kilometres north of Halls Creek and 320 kilometres south of Kununurra.

The cost of the transaction wasn’t disclosed in a statement released by Harvest Road, but the purchase will return the historic cattle station to Australian hands for the first time in 20 years.

The current owner, global beef producer Yeeda Pastoral Company, has owned Springvale for the past two decades.

Harvest Road’s chief operating officer for pastoral, backgrounding and feeding facility, Ben Dwyer (pictured), said the purchase of Springvale Aggregation would be another long term investment in the future of Western Australia’s beef industry.

“The acquisition of Springvale will continue our commitment to developing a vertically integrated beef supply chain across the State,” he said.

“We will focus on the sustainability of the property by destocking appropriately to leave a well-selected breeding herd and to build a strong genetic base for our supply chain, as well as allow the country a well-deserved rest.”

The property has been well developed and maintains historic infrastructure including the original homestead, which was built by legendary cattle and horseman Tom Quilty. The aggregation also includes staff quarters, sheds and 10 sets of permanent cattle yards.

Springvale Aggregation boasts many natural water holes and extensive water infrastructure. Some water points have recently been upgraded with new solar pumping systems and a replacement trough program is underway.

Once acquired, included in the purchase will be licences, permits and basic infrastructure to operate a “glamping” style tourism business on the road into the world-famous Bungle Bungle National Park, the statement said.

Yeeda Pastoral Company chairman Mervyn Key said the company had been been privileged to be the “custodian” of the Springvale Aggregation for the past 20 years.

“We are very happy to be handing the reins on to Harvest Road to bring the station back to its former position as an iconic breeding property and build on the potential of the Kimberley pastoral industry,” he said.