Australian Farmland Values - 2020 | Queensland
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About Rural Bank Rural Bank is a division of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited and provides exceptional financial services, knowledge and leadership for Australian farmers to grow. About the research The Australian Farmland Values report is based on actual farm sales using data collected by the official government agency in each state and territory, which is then compiled by PriceFinder. The Australian Farmland Values report is a guide to market trends of commercial farming property. To that end, where possible, transactions between family members or where one party has compulsory powers are excluded from the analysis. Further, small farms are also excluded to limit the impact of ‘lifestyle farming’ on the results. As property settlement periods vary, some 2019 sales will not be captured in this report at the time of publication. The median price for the most recent year is preliminary and will be revised at least annually. The values used in this report are based on the total sale price and therefore include the value of capital improvements. The value of water entitlements attached to a land title and therefore sold with the property will be reflected in the sale price of the land. If water entitlements are sold separately from the land, this value will not be captured in the sale price. Median prices in the report are only a guide to market activity. They are not a valuation. Median is used rather than mean as the median is not as readily distorted by unusually high or low prices. However, the median does have limitations. The mix of property sold in a given year can cause the median price to move up or down in a way that is unrelated to a move in value. For example, a higher proportion of lower-value sales can result in a lower median and vice-versa. In areas where there have been very few sales, this effect can be especially pronounced and so in these cases the median should be used with caution and may not be indicative of an actual change in farmland value. In order to track median price per hectare growth over a range of time periods the report uses compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Compound annual growth rate is a geometric mean that accounts for compound growth, providing a more accurate measure of an investments return compared to a simple arithmetic mean. Farmland sales volume is reported as the number of transactions. Farms can be sold as single or multiple lots, which obscures the view of the number of farms sold, particularly in cases where one farm is sold as multiple lots to multiple buyers. Accordingly, the number of ‘transactions’ should not be interpreted as the number of farms sold and should only be used as a guide to market activity. This report is not intended for use as a farm valuation tool. A qualified professional is required to assess the value of a property. For PriceFinder terms and conditions visit: www.pricefinder.com.au/terms-conditions/
Understanding the value of farmland is important to everyone in agribusiness, especially Australia’s farmers. The Australian Farmland Values report tells the story of national and regional farmland performance over the past 25 years. This report is intended to provide general information on a particular subject or subjects and is not an exhaustive treatment of such subject(s). The information herein is believed to be reliable and has been obtained from public sources believed to be reliable. Rural Bank, a Division of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL/ Australian Credit Licence 237879, makes no representation as to or accepts any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of information contained in this report. Any opinions, estimates and projections in this report do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Rural Bank and are subject to change without notice. Rural Bank has no obligation to update, modify or amend this report or to otherwise notify a recipient thereof in the event that any opinion, forecast or estimate set forth therein, changes or subsequently becomes inaccurate. This report is provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in this report does not take into account your personal circumstances and should not be relied upon without consulting your legal, financial, tax or other appropriate professional. © Copyright Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd ABN 11 068 049 178 (1452805 –1456141) (04/20)
Foreword Agriculture is volatile, or so the mythology goes. You only hear Farmers are also holding on to their land, with year-on-year about agriculture when it’s booming or facing another challenge transaction volumes falling by 13.2 per cent. What is driving this? or crisis. Are lower sales volumes driving up price, or are farmers simply optimistic about the future? Rural Bank’s Australian Farmland Values 2020 report turns this myth on its head, particularly when you consider our world There is certainly no shortage of buyers, happy to invest. is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, a challenge with Corporates have continued to strongly enter the market, the potential to deliver the greatest uncertainty or unknown particularly in New South Wales and Queensland. economic impact since World War II. As much of the eastern half of Australia emerges from dry Is agriculture immune or conditioned? History would tell you it is. conditions and drought, will land continue to be held on to for longer, and what are the implications for traditional farming When you remove the noise, agriculture is stable, consistent and businesses? an under-recognised source of economic growth. If you know what you are doing and are prepared to see through short-term These are all important questions, requiring discussion. vagaries and variations, there are rewards to be harvested. As always, Rural Bank is looking to contribute evidence and On average, Australian farmland has delivered compound annual insight to this conversation, advocating for the agricultural growth of 7.5 per cent over 20 years. industry. It’s a remarkable result and it highlights that investing in farmland In these unprecedented times, the evidence suggests that if you over the long-term will deliver, through good times and bad. look to agriculture and farmland, it continues to perform well over the long-term – whatever the circumstances. We also know that farmland value is only one measure. It certainly does not automatically translate to profitability, or growth. Alexandra Gartmann CEO, Rural Bank It’s the base asset for Australia’s farming businesses, with unique characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. But in every case, every parcel of land requires smart, capable farmers to turn a profit. Land with consistent access to water has continued to perform far better than land without. Climate risk and reliable rainfall continues to drive investment. 4
Executive Summary 2019 year-on-year Farmland values have been resilient following several years 2019 year-on-year transaction of challenging seasonal conditions. We expect growth in the median price growth volume growth value of Australian farmland to continue over the long-term as ongoing improvements in Australian agricultural productivity NSW 17.2% -19.8% and profitability fuel strong demand for agricultural assets. While factors such as strong commodity prices, a low interest QLD -0.8% -7.8% rate environment and tight supply of land support strong demand for farmland in the short-term, this will be tempered SA 18.4% -8.3% by disruptions to global economies. We expect farmland values to continue to grow but at a reduced rate compared TAS 11.1% -5.8% to the growth seen in the past six years. VIC 12.1% -12.9% Across Australia the number of transactions declined 13.2 per cent year-on-year to 7,164. This marks the lowest transaction volume for the analysed period (1995–2019). WA 28.2% -4.6% The number of transactions equates to a total of 6.5 million hectares of land with a combined value of $8.7 billion. NT -53.9% -36.2% Farmland values hold particular significance when examined National 13.5% -13.2% at a localised level. In 2020 Rural Bank has researched trends in 29 regions across the country. The Australian Farmland Values 2020 report draws on more than 262,000 transactions, accounting for 303.9 million hectares of land with a combined value of $159 billion over 25 years. Australia – historic performance $6,000 16,000 14,000 $5,000 12,000 $4,000 10,000 $3,000 8,000 6,000 $2,000 4,000 $1,000 2,000 0 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Median price $/ha (LHS) Number of transactions (RHS) 5
$4,650 -0.8% 4,135,665 7.7% Compound annual growth Median price per hectare 2019 median price growth Hectares of land traded over 20 years Map shows median price movement in 2019. North 3.5% Central -9.9% West -11.7% South 14.5% Queensland
Queensland Queensland – historic performance $5,000 3,500 $4,500 3,000 $4,000 $3,500 2,500 $3,000 2,000 $2,500 $2,000 1,500 $1,500 1,000 $1,000 500 $500 0 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Median price $/ha (LHS) Number of transactions (RHS) The median price per hectare of farmland in Queensland decreased by 0.8 per cent in 2019 to $4,650 per hectare. This was on the back of a 15.7 per cent increase in 2018. The state From the field maintains a solid five-year average annual growth rate of 4.9 per cent. Drought continued to put downward pressure on listings in “Prolonged drought conditions led to a reduction in 2019, particularly in the South, which is the region responsible transaction volume for the state, hitting an eight-year for most of the state’s transactions. low, this was largely driven by the Southern region. Demand remained strong for quality properties, despite a decline There was a slightly higher percentage of low value in median price per hectare for the state. South Queensland transactions compared to 2018, this was due to recorded the highest growth in median price per hectare of 14.5 increased activity at the lower end of the market in per cent. This was followed by North Queensland with an increase Central, West and Northern Queensland. As a result, of 3.5 per cent. In both regions the increase in median price per hectare was driven by more transactions at the high value end the state median price per hectare eased. In contrast, of the market, reflecting a solid level of buyer confidence in each there were many examples of record prices at a local region. In contrast, median price per hectare declined in the West level. Properties with exceptional improvements were and Central regions, down 11.7 and 9.9 per cent respectively. This highly sort after in every region, driven by fewer listings was due to a change in transaction mix with a higher percentage and strong underlying demand.” of low value transactions in 2019. In both regions there was more appetite for larger parcels of land which characteristically sell for Jonathon Hewitt, Rural Bank, Eastern Australia. a lower price per hectare. At a local level there was evidence of record prices for such parcels, demonstrating that buyers were willing to take the opportunity to purchase in a tightly held market. The area of farmland traded in 2019 across Queensland was The volume of transactions decreased to 1,586, 7.8 per cent approximately 4.1 million hectares, a decrease of 5.9 per cent below 2018. This is the lowest level in eight years, reflecting compared to 2018. This was due to fewer transactions in the the impact of prolonged drought. Seasonal conditions will play South compared to 2018. a major role in transaction volume in 2020, if favourable, strong underlying demand for properties could be met with more The total value of Queensland farmland traded in 2019 was listings. If dry conditions persist it will again be a case of buyers approximately $2.5 billion, an increase of 2.9 per cent. This was competing for a limited number of properties, which will favour driven by a shift in transaction mix towards the upper end of the better quality properties in each region. market, a trend that was evident in most regions of the state. 7
Queensland – transactions by price range 500 2019 400 2018 Number of transactions 300 200 100 0 $0 – 2,000/ha $2,000 – 4,000/ha $4,000 – 6,000/ha $6,000 – 8,000/ha $8,000 –10,000/ha $10,000/ha+ There was a higher percentage of low value transactions in There were fewer transactions across three of the four regions 2019, and a decrease in transaction volume across medium value of Queensland in 2019, with a notable decline in medium price ranges, resulting in a 0.8 per cent decline in median price value transactions, which is reflected in the state result. South per hectare for the state. The $6,000–8,000/ha range had the Queensland reported a 14.8 per cent decline in transaction largest decline in transaction volume, down 27.2 per cent, this volume, predominately in the medium value range. West and equates to a decrease of 61 transactions. In total there were Central Queensland followed a similar pattern with a decline in 144 fewer transactions between $4,000/ha and $10,000/ha. transaction volume of 7.7 per cent and 3.8 per cent respectively. In contrast the higher end of the market reported a 13.9 per cent In contrast transaction volume increased 2.2 per cent in North increase in transaction volume, partly offsetting the decline in Queensland, driven by increased transaction volumes at both other price ranges. ends of the market. Performance by land size Median $/ha No. of transactions Parcel size (ha) 2019 % change 10yr CAGR Decile 2019 YoY +/- 30–50 $10,665 16.5% 3.2% 10.0 303 -42 50–150 $6,728 7.9% 3.0% 10.0 631 -44 150–400 $3,459 -3.1% 2.8% 9.6 250 -26 400+ $1,001 -0.2% 0.4% 9.6 402 -23 Overall $4,650 -0.8% 2.1% 9.6 1,586 -135 Growth in the median price per hectare was highest for small There were fewer transactions across all parcel sizes in 2019. parcel sizes. The 30–50ha range recorded an increase of 16.5 The 30–50ha range experienced the largest decline. The mix per cent in 2019, this range also had the highest ten-year average of transactions by parcel size remained relatively unchanged, annual growth rate. In contrast median price per hectare declined the 50–150ha range made up a slightly higher percentage of slightly in the 150–400ha and greater than 400ha ranges. transactions in 2019. 8
QLD Central Central – historic performance $3,500 1,200 $3,000 1,000 $2,500 800 $2,000 $2,712 600 $1,500 400 $1,000 $500 200 Median price per hectare 0 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Median price $/ha (LHS) Number of transactions (RHS) The median price per hectare of farmland in Central Queensland decreased by 9.9 per cent in -9.9% 2019 to $2,712 per hectare. This follows an increase of 28.2 per cent in 2018. The decline in 2019 is largely down to a change in transaction mix as opposed to a decline in demand. Demand remained strong for properties that did list and there were examples of record prices at municipality level. 2019 median price growth From the field “The performance of rural property sales across Central and Central West Queensland was mixed in 2019, influenced by a decline in sales volume. There were examples of properties with good quality improvements achieving record values in several districts. The Central Highlands and Isaac sub regions continued 491,204 to perform strongly. Family farms and corporates were active in the market, keeping demand high.” Hectares of land traded Linda Paterson, Rural Bank, Rockhampton. Median price per hectare declined in Gladstone, Goondiwindi and Western Downs. In contrast there was an increase in the municipalities of Central Highlands, Isaac and Livingstone. The volume of transactions decreased to 475, 3.8 per cent below 2018. The decline in transaction volume was most evident for smaller parcel sizes. In contrast larger parcels sold at a similar level to the year prior, highlighting a good level of buying activity from corporates and large family farms. 6.9% Compound annual growth over 20 years 10
Central – transactions by price range 160 140 2019 2018 120 Number of transactions 100 80 60 40 20 0 $0 – 1,000/ha $1,000 – 2,000/ha $2,000 – 3,000/ha $3,000 – 4,000/ha $4,000 –5,000/ha $5,000/ha+ The volume of transactions decreased most in the high price range in 2019, this changed the transaction mix towards a higher percentage of low value transactions. As a result, the median price per hectare for the region moved lower. The decline in transaction volume was highest in the greater than $5,000/ha range with a decrease of 23 per cent. This equates to 32 fewer transactions, over half of these were in the Western Downs municipality. The municipalities of Banana, Central Highlands and Western Downs all experienced a notable decline in transaction volume in 2019. In contrast there were more transactions in Gladstone and Isaac. Performance by land size Median $/ha No. of transactions Parcel size (ha) 2019 % change 10yr CAGR Decile 2019 YoY +/- 30–100 $5,009 -3.2% 2.0% 9.6 132 -18 100–300 $3,210 -10.6% 2.5% 9.6 135 -3 300–600 $2,239 -12.9% 2.7% 9.6 69 1 600+ $1,824 5.3% 4.7% 10.0 139 1 Overall $2,712 -9.9% 2.7% 8.9 475 -19 There were fewer transactions across most parcel sizes in 2019. The 30–100ha range experienced the largest decline, this was a key contributor to the overall decline in median price per hectare for the region due to the relatively high price per hectare these parcels attract. In contrast, there was a small increase in large parcel transactions. Median price per hectare decreased across most parcel sizes. The largest decrease was in the 300–600ha range. In contrast, demand was strong for larger parcels greater than 600ha. Over the long-term larger parcel sizes greater than 600ha returned the highest average annual growth rate. 11
QLD North North – historic performance $10,000 800 $9,000 700 $8,000 600 $7,000 $6,000 500 $5,000 400 $8,947 $4,000 $3,000 300 200 $2,000 Median price per hectare $1,000 100 0 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Median price $/ha (LHS) Number of transactions (RHS) The median price per hectare of farmland in North Queensland increased by 3.5 per cent in 3.5% 2019 to $8,947 per hectare. This follows a decline of 0.5 per cent in 2018. Demand remained high for grazing and horticulture land, particularly on the Cassowary Coast, which aided median price per hectare growth. 2019 median price growth From the field “Demand for grazing and horticulture properties remained strong in 2019 particularly in the Cassowary Coast area. New to market buyers were actively purchasing both sugar cane and banana properties. In contrast there was a decline in sales activity in Charters Towers due to drought and impacts to properties caused by major flooding early in 2019. Avocado properties transacted less in 2019 with demand easing back 676,546 to long term trends.” Simon Gilbert, Rural Bank, Innisfail. Hectares of land traded Median price per hectare increased notably in the Cassowary Coast and Tablelands municipalities. In contrast there was a decrease in Douglas and Charters Towers. The volume of transactions increased to 325, 2.2 per cent above 2018. This was driven by an increase in the number of larger parcels of land transacting in the grazing regions of the Cassowary Coast and Townsville municipalities. 7.2% Compound annual growth over 20 years 12
North – transactions by price range 70 2019 60 2018 50 Number of transactions 40 30 20 10 0 $0 – 3,000/ha $3,000 – 6,000/ha $6,000 – 9,000/ha $9,000 – 12,000/ha $12,000 –15,000/ha $15,000/ha+ Demand was strong at both ends of the market; however, the volume of transactions decreased most in the medium price ranges in 2019. This changed the transaction mix towards a greater percentage of high value transactions compared to 2018, leading to an increase in the median price per hectare. The decline in transaction volume was highest in the $6,000–9,000/ha range with a decrease of 25 per cent. this equates to 16 fewer transactions, most of the decline was in the Tablelands municipality. The municipalities of Burdekin, Cairns, Charters Towers, Hinchinbrook and Mareeba all experienced a notable decline in transaction volume in 2019. In contrast there were more transactions in the municipalities of Cassowary Coast, Townsville and Whitsunday. Performance by land size Median $/ha No. of transactions Parcel size (ha) 2019 % change 10yr CAGR Decile 2019 YoY +/- 30–50 $12,182 -3.6% 1.3% 9.6 93 6 50–100 $10,013 8.6% 1.1% 10.0 114 -17 100–200 $6,417 -8.8% 0.5% 8.3 57 11 200+ $1,676 37.7% -0.3% 7.4 61 7 Overall $8,947 3.5% 0.7% 10.0 325 7 There were more transactions across most parcel sizes in 2019. The 100–200ha range experienced the largest increase. In contrast the 50–100ha range declined. Median price per hectare growth was mixed. The highest increase was in the greater than 200ha range, highlighting demand for grazing properties in the region. Over the long-term the 30–50ha range returned the highest average annual growth rate. 13
QLD South South – historic performance $8,000 1,800 $7,000 1,600 $6,000 1,400 1,200 $5,000 1,000 $4,000 $7,268 $3,000 $2,000 800 600 400 Median price per hectare $1,000 200 0 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Median price $/ha (LHS) Number of transactions (RHS) The median price per hectare of farmland in South Queensland increased by 14.5 per cent 14.5% in 2019 to $7,268 per hectare. This follows an increase of five per cent in 2018. Despite dry conditions demand remained strong for quality properties in each municipality, buyers were willing to look past seasonal conditions to secure tightly held parcels of land. 2019 median price growth From the field “Widespread drought across the region was the major underlying factor resulting in a decrease in transaction activity in 2019. Despite a decline in activity land values continued to increase in most municipalities reflecting strong underlying demand. Looking forward to 2020, changes to water allocations are expected to slow buyer activity in the Wide Bay Burnett region, whilst confidence in the grazing sector as a 85,365 result of recent rainfall could bring some properties to market.” Baden Lowrie, Elders, Bundaberg. Hectares of land traded Median price per hectare increased notably for the Sunshine Coast and Gympie municipalities. In contrast there was a decrease in Somerset and the Lockyer Valley. The volume of transactions decreased to 631 transactions, 14.8 per cent below 2018. Drought was the key contributor to fewer transactions in 2019, limiting the number of listings in the region. 7.8% Compound annual growth over 20 years 14
South – transactions by price range 200 2019 2018 150 Number of transactions 100 50 0 $0 – 2,500/ha $2,500 – 5,000/ha $5,000 – 7,500/ha $7,500 – 10,000/ha $10,000 –12,500/ha $12,500/ha+ Volume increased at the top end of the market in 2019 however, this was offset by a significant fall in the low to medium price ranges. As a result of a higher proportion of high value transactions, median price per hectare grew strongly. Transaction volume increased 30 per cent in the greater than $12,500/ha range. This equates to an increase of 32 transactions, Gympie accounted for most of the increase. The decline in transaction volume was highest in the $2,500–5,000/ha range with a decrease of 28 per cent. This equates to 47 fewer low value transactions, Toowoomba accounted for most of the decline. The municipalities of Bundaberg, South Burnett, Southern Downs and Sunshine Coast all experienced a notable decline in transaction volume in 2019. In contrast there were more transactions on the Fraser Coast and in Gympie. Performance by land size Median $/ha No. of transactions Parcel size (ha) 2019 % change 10yr CAGR Decile 2019 YoY +/- 30–50 $11,280 17.3% 3.5% 10.0 152 -43 50–100 $7,198 2.4% 2.6% 10.0 231 -9 100–200 $5,410 21.4% 4.3% 10.0 151 -14 200+ $3,310 19.7% 5.0% 10.0 97 -44 Overall $7,268 14.5% 4.3% 10.0 631 -110 There was a decline in transactions across all parcel sizes in 2019. The greater than 200ha range experienced the largest decrease which aided median price growth in the region as this segment is characterized by lower value transactions. Median price per hectare increased strongly across all ranges, reflecting demand for quality properties of any size. The highest increase was in the 100–200ha range. Over the long-term the greater than 200ha range returned the highest average annual growth rate. 15
QLD West West – historic performance $400 350 $350 300 $300 250 $250 200 $317 $200 150 $150 100 $100 $50 50 Median price per hectare 0 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Median price $/ha (LHS) Number of transactions (RHS) The median price per hectare of farmland in West Queensland decreased by 11.7 per cent in -11.7% 2019 to $317 per hectare. This follows an increase of 27.2 per cent in 2018. The decline in 2019 was largely due to a change in transaction mix as opposed to a decline in demand. There was a higher proportion of large parcels of land transacted in 2019, which characteristically sell for a lower price per hectare. 2019 median price growth From the field “Transaction volume declined due to drought leading to a reduction in listings in 2019. Despite lower volumes, there was evidence of solid demand at municipality level, indicating an increased number of buyers in the region. Looking forward, rain in early 2020 could lead to more listings which will help satisfy demand, particularly 2,882,554 for grazing properties with exceptional improvements. The long-term growth prospect of farmland in the region is likely to attract the interest of investors looking to divest from traditional asset classes.” Hectares of land traded Malcolm Hosking, Rural Bank, West QLD. Median price per hectare increased notably for the Maranoa and Longreach municipalities. In contrast there was a decrease in Winton and Flinders. The volume of transactions decreased to 155, 7.7 per cent below 2018. This was driven by prolonged drought in the region, leading to fewer listings in 2019. 8.0% Compound annual growth over 20 years 16
West – transactions by price range 50 2019 40 2018 Number of transactions 30 20 10 0 $0 – 150/ha $150 – 300/ha $300 – 450/ha $450 – 1,000/ha $1,000 –1,500/ha $1,500/ha+ Demand was strong at both ends of the market; however, the volume of transactions decreased most in the medium price ranges in 2019. This changed the transaction mix towards a higher percentage of lower value transactions, leading to a decrease in the median price per hectare. The decline in transaction volume was highest in the $450–1,000/ha range with a decrease of 40 per cent. This equates to 14 fewer transactions, Maranoa accounted for most of the decline in this range. In contrast, the increase in transactions in the $0–150/ha range was driven by activity in Barcoo, Longreach, Richmond and Winton. As a result, these municipalities made up a higher proportion of the total volume of transactions in 2019. The municipalities of Blackall Tambo, Flinders, Maranoa, Murweh and Paroo all experienced a notable decline in transaction volume in 2019. In contrast there were more transactions in the municipalities of Barcoo, Longreach, Richmond and Winton. Performance by land size Median $/ha No. of transactions Parcel size (ha) 2019 % change 10yr CAGR Decile 2019 YoY +/- 30–2,500 $1,853 33.9% 5.6% 10.0 34 -11 2,500–7,500 $551 54.5% 3.5% 10.0 27 -8 7,500–12,500 $300 4.4% 2.3% 9.6 29 -8 12,500+ $171 -18.0% 4.3% 9.6 65 14 Overall $317 -11.7% 0.5% 8.3 155 -13 There was a decline in transactions across most parcel sizes in 2019. The 30–2,500ha range experienced the largest decrease. In contrast transaction volume increased in the greater than 12,500ha range. Median price per hectare increased across most parcel sizes. The highest increase was in the 2,500–7,500ha range. In contrast median price per hectare declined in the greater than 12,500ha range. Overall median price per hectare declined due to more transactions in the lower valued, large parcel size range. 17
QLD Farmland sales by municipality Median $/ha Number of transactions Municipality 2019 5yr CAGR 10yr CAGR 20yr CAGR 2019 YoY +/- Central Banana $3,695 8.3% 2.6% 7.6% 44 -7 Central Highlands Regional $2,762 13.4% 3.8% 10.0% 33 -4 Gladstone Regional $2,936 -0.4% 1.3% 5.9% 57 11 Goondiwindi Regional $2,038 11.2% 7.0% 9.6% 53 3 Isaac Regional $2,188 6.6% 8.6% 7.8% 28 11 Livingstone $5,001 3.1% 3.1% – 26 0 North Burnett Regional $2,992 3.8% 4.0% 6.9% 78 -7 Rockhampton Regional $4,300 1.8% 1.6% 6.3% 29 -3 Western Downs Regional $2,469 4.5% 0.6% 7.0% 127 -23 Central $2,712 4.5% 2.7% 6.9% 475 -19 North Burdekin $15,328 9.2% 1.2% 8.1% 24 -3 Cairns Regional $9,958 7.2% 2.3% 6.4% 7 -2 Cassowary Coast Regional $10,160 9.8% 1.1% 2.3% 40 16 Charters Towers Regional $955 33.3% -12.1% 2.1% 22 -4 Cook $2,584 -5.6% 7.7% 16.8% 6 0 Croydon – 9.3% -4.5% 7.1% 2 1 Douglas – – -35.6% – 1 -5 Etheridge $375 37.0% 14.2% 15.0% 6 2 Hinchinbrook $8,964 6.4% 1.6% 1.6% 12 -9 Mackay Regional $9,314 7.5% 1.6% 7.3% 80 6 Mareeba $8,467 0.2% 0.2% – 28 -5 Tablelands Regional $12,904 15.8% 3.8% 8.4% 49 0 Townsville City $10,488 11.2% 1.3% 7.6% 19 4 Whitsunday Regional $5,954 10.1% 10.4% 7.3% 29 6 North $8,947 8.3% 0.7% 7.2% 325 7 South Bundaberg Regional $6,094 11.4% 3.7% 9.2% 64 -13 Fraser Coast Regional $6,862 17.0% 12.9% 10.6% 40 5 Gympie Regional $7,334 6.2% 3.8% 8.1% 73 3 Lockyer Valley Regional $7,323 1.6% -1.1% 6.7% 29 -8 Moreton Bay Regional $12,986 1.5% 1.1% 3.8% 18 0 Scenic Rim Regional $13,382 8.7% 4.2% 8.5% 50 0 Somerset Regional $5,616 -1.8% -2.3% 5.6% 46 0 South Burnett Regional $5,524 5.2% 5.0% 7.1% 74 -38 Southern Downs Regional $6,192 5.1% 4.4% 7.9% 70 -26 Sunshine Coast Regional $24,350 15.6% 7.5% 9.2% 19 -14 Toowoomba Regional $7,384 8.5% 4.4% 7.7% 148 -19 South $7,268 6.0% 4.3% 7.8% 631 -110 18
Median $/ha Number of transactions Municipality 2019 5yr CAGR 10yr CAGR 20yr CAGR 2019 YoY +/- West Balonne $1,492 20.2% 15.3% 13.5% 11 -3 Barcaldine Regional $317 -0.2% 2.8% 11.8% 9 -2 Barcoo $112 20.4% 8.6% 7.7% 9 9 Blackall Tambo Regional $505 7.5% 0.7% 8.6% 6 -5 Boulia – 17.7% 15.3% 5.2% 1 1 Bulloo – 2.0% -2.9% 8.9% 1 0 Carpentaria Shire – 29.6% 5.4% 8.6% 1 1 Flinders $229 2.3% -4.4% 7.1% 5 -9 Longreach Regional $271 16.0% 2.7% 8.2% 22 10 Maranoa Regional $1,776 7.2% 6.2% 10.2% 33 -16 Mckinlay* $370 7.7% 8.2% 9.4% 7 0 Murweh $301 11.2% 1.6% 8.2% 13 -5 Paroo $182 28.5% 4.9% 11.1% 9 -6 Quilpie – 0.9% 12.0% 10.7% 3 0 Richmond $337 7.2% 2.0% 8.4% 8 5 Winton $113 -7.2% -2.1% 4.1% 17 7 West $317 -0.5% 0.5% 8.0% 155 -13 Queensland $4,650 4.9% 2.1% 7.7% 1,586 -135 CAGR: Compound Annual Growth Rate Price information with a small volume of transactions should be used with caution. The median price for municipalities with less than four transactions in 2019 is not reported. *Municipalities with no transactions in 2019 have compound annual growth rate for five, ten and twenty years presented using the 2018 median. 19
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