Asian food demand stirs investor appetites as 10,000-acre Cape York property goes up for sale

Northern Australia increasingly a major food basket for China

Unique 10,000-acre freehold property, The Cedars, located on the Cape York Peninsula in North Queensland, is on the market and is already attracting interest from Australia and Asia.

“It’s the second largest freehold plot to ever hit the market on the Cape York Peninsula, and given the scope of the property, it has potential for businesses looking to expand their eco-tourism and eco-farming operations,” says listing agent, Tony Arkey, Principal of Raine & Horne Hong Kong.

“We’ve already fielded a number of enquiries from interested parties and it’s fair to expect this large freehold property will interest producers who are cashing in on the growing Asian middle classes.

“For example, crops such as palm oil, milo, maize, pineapple, peanuts and cashews are well suited to the Cape York region,” he adds.

Apart from the agricultural opportunities, the property comes with up to 2,500 acres of pristine rainforest, two major creeks, pure fresh water streams and high quality water springs.

“The property may also appeal to a forestry firm, with the potential for planting and raising 1,000 acres of timber in around six years,” says Mr Arkey.

“The region is also well known for its beef, so cattle farming presents another possibility, while the plentiful creeks and streams would also support aquaculture and fish farming operations.”

Cedars is currently owned by a North Queensland-based family business, according to Mr Arkey, and the decision to list it with a Hong Kong-based real estate firm such as Raine & Horne Hong Kong was taken to extend the buying pool.

“Raine & Horne has been in Hong Kong since 2002, and is well connected with corporates across Asia,” says Mr Arkey.

“Moreover, there are many potential buyers and high-net worth individuals in this region, looking for unique business opportunities such as Cedars.

“That said, we expect to receive expressions of interest from investors and corporates from within Australia as well.”

According to Angus Raine, CEO of Raine & Horne, the Chinese have recognised that northern Australia is a major food basket for its vast population.

“The sale of this property represents a unique opportunity for an investor or corporate looking to add to its food chain supplies to take advantage of the massive growth in demand from China,” says Mr Raine.

“This property is also sure to attract cattle barons from across Australia, looking to build their stake in the Chinese market.”

-ENDS-

For further media information please contact:

Tony Arkey, Principal, Raine & Horne Hong Kong on +852 2866 0618

Angus Raine, CEO, Raine & Horne Commercial on +61 409 920 697

Andrew Harrington, National Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Raine & Horne on +612 9258 5400