Controversial SA MP to shed one of nation’s largest family farms
The largest farm in Victoria – run by an independent SA MP’s family business – has been listed for sale.
A farm on the Victorian and South Australian border owned by sixth-generation family-owned business AJ & PA McBride is on the market.
Called Telopea Downs, the grazing and cropping property is the largest farm in Victoria and comprises 47,660 hectares with irrigation development and is over 98 per cent arable.
AJ & PA McBride is one of South Australia’s most prominent pastoralist businesses and is more than 100 years old.
Its chairman, Nick McBride, is the independent MP for MacKillop and is currently facing court charged with assaulting his wife.
In June, McBride said he was still fit to continue in parliament while the matter is before the courts, and intended to re-contest his seat at the 2026 state election.
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He is yet to enter a plea over the three charges, remains on bail, and is expected to return to Naracoorte Magistrates Court on October 22.
AJ & PA McBride acquired the site in 2018, and has made the decision to offer the property for sale “following a significant rise in capital value”.
CEO Nathan Wessling said the divest ment was “consistent with the company’s long term approach to periodically realise gains from agricultural properties that have experienced strong capital growth”.
“If you look back over McBride’s history, you’ll see there has been a strategic divestment around each decade and the sale of Telopea Downs is consistent with the investment strategy,” Wessling said.
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“Indeed, it’s a real success story, having achieved the growth anticipated more quickly than experienced, off the back of a solid seven year performance for Australian agriculture.”
Colliers’ agribusiness transactions team was appointed to handle the sales process of the property, which is the aggregation of 11 contiguous properties held within 37 titles.
Most of the land is on the Victorian side of the border near Kaniva, and is 20 km north of the Great Western Highway.
Telopea Downs is currently holding 85,000 Merino and crossbred sheep and more than 1000 cattle.
Colliers national director Jesse Manuel said Telopea Downs was a “significant farming operation by any measure” which has benefited from past and present owners’ continued land and pasture improvement programs.
“Telopea Downs benefits from over 27,000 hectares of clay improved country supporting established renovated pastures and a large-scale cropping program,” Manuel said.
“As paddocks have undergone pasture renovation, associated fencing and water infrastructure have also been improved, comprising the upgrading or replacement of fencing, and the installation of tank and trough water systems.”
Colliers national director Tim Altschwager added that the farm was “centrally located in respect of South Eastern Australia’s major livestock production areas, offering proximity to a significant catchment area for the sourcing of stock”.
“With its temperate climate, moderate rainfall and irrigation capabilities, the property would add tremendous value to a range of supply chain operations from a breeding or backgrounding perspective,” Altschwager said.
The property includes substantial water entitlements totalling 2325 megalitres for irrigation, and more than 300 hectares of centre pivot development, which could enable the opportunity for fodder production to support the livestock enterprise.
Colliers is offering the land for sale internationally via expressions of interest.
