Australian Farmland Values - 2020 | Queensland

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Australian Farmland Values - 2020 | Queensland
Australian
Farmland Values
2020 | Queensland
Australian Farmland Values - 2020 | Queensland
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/
Australian Farmland Values - 2020 | Queensland
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)
Australian Farmland Values - 2020 | Queensland
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
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                                                                                                                   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
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                                                                                                                                                                                                       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
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                                                                                                                                                                                                 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
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                                                                  1999
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                                                                                                                                                                                                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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