Rushy Lagoon dairy equipment for sale

The equipment from the three dairies at Rushy Lagoon is for sale.

The following equipment has been listed for purchase and removal:

• 54-unit rotary dairy 2020 complete (Centreview)
• 54-unit rotary dairy 2015 complete (Cygmus)
• 60-unit rotary dairy 1997, decommissioned in 2022 (Cinderella)
• 79.8 ha, 9-span Zimmatic centre pivot, 24688 hours
• 79.8 ha, 9-span Zimmatic centre pivot, 22172 hours
• 76 ha, 9-span Zimmatic centre pivot, 26348 hours
• 84.9 ha, 9-span Zimmatic centre pivot, 19494 hours
• Various size machinery sheds x 10

The sale is via expression of interest through Nutrien Ag Solutions and closes on October 13.

The sale of the 22,000-hectare property in north-east Tasmania - Tasmania's biggest farm - has sparked significant controversy over its $69 million Federal Government back sale to a foreign corporation planning to convert a large part of the farm to pine plantation to generate carbon credits.

The firm behind the purchase, the UK-based Gresham House, also received an $8.8 million pine plantation grant.

Gresham House Tasmanian Asset Manager Jono Craven said the three dairies on Rushy Lagoon covered 1100ha.

“The dairy herd was sold by the previous owner and one of the dairies, Cinderella, was decommissioned before the property was put up for sale,” Mr Craven said.

“The Tasmanian Natural Asset Trust (TNAT) attempted to sell the three dairies on Rushy Lagoon and associated irrigated land as standalone assets.

“Unfortunately, no compliant bids were received, so the decision has been made to seek expressions of interest for the sale of all equipment across the three dairies, including four of Rushy Lagoon’s 21 pivot irrigators.

“The equipment varies in age and quality considerably, from the older Cinderella dairy to the newer assets at the other two facilities.”

Kevin Matkovich from Nutrien said there had been considerable interest in the dairy equipment.

“It is very rare for complete dairies like this to be sold,” Mr Matkovich said.

“This is not a simple project either – to dismantle it, put it on the back of a truck and take it to the next site is a pretty big project for whoever wants to take this on.

“But at the same time, they can save themselves a fair bit of money on a new one.”

Mr Craven said they would be conducting extensive environmental monitoring and land use planning to inform the forestry component of the project, with planting expected to begin next Autumn.

“TNAT has been actively engaging with the community and stakeholders to explain our plans for Rushy Lagoon and to listen to feedback.

“We are committed to ensuring that benefits from the project flow back into the North East community, with 190 jobs expected to be supported over the life of the asset.

“Since the settlement a few weeks ago, we have been working with local tradespeople, including painters, plumbers and builders, to commence repairs on buildings across the property.

“We are also in advanced discussions with local farmers about opportunities for contract cropping and grazing on more productive parts of the property.”