Little River poultry farm to be sold by administrators

A poultry farm in the Werribee area has hit the market, with industry interests and land bankers tipped to be interested. 

Colliers International’s Jesse Manuel and Jock Grimshaw have been appointed to sell Parkhurst Farm at 925 Bulban Road, Little River, on the outskirts of Werribee, Victoria. 

The appointment has been made by Richard Hughes of Deloitte in his capacity as Deed Administrator of Parkhurst Farm Pty Ltd (Subject to Deed of Company Arrangement). 

Manuel said with its proximity to the amenity of Melbourne’s west and its expanding urban boundary, the Little River property will be sought-after by a diverse range of buyers. 

“It represents an excellent opportunity for existing poultry industry participants to expand their holdings and geographically diversify, as well as opportunists looking to acquire land in close proximity to major development activity,” Manuel said. 

“Historically we’ve seen chicken meat processors look at these types of farms to convert to breeder farms, the egg industry to rear pullets or install laying infrastructure, as well as the broad acre sector looking to store grain and fertiliser.” 

The property is located about 11 kilometres south-west of Werribee, 38 kilometres north-east of Geelong and 47 kilometres south-west of the Melbourne CBD via the West Gate and Princes Freeways. 

The area of Little River was famously the inspiration for the name of the classic Australian rock band Little River Band. 

Parkhurst Farm is a well developed poultry farm that has a history of both poultry meat and egg production and comprises a total shed production area of over 20,000 square metres. 

The property contains a total land area of 115 hectares (approx.) and has been developed to eight tunnel ventilated grower sheds complete with automated climate-control, feeding, drinking and lighting systems. The sheds were developed from 2003 to 2006, with a key feature being their concrete wall construction. 

Associated improvements include manager’s residence, various farm shedding, grain silos, extensive water storage tanks, office/control rooms, backup diesel generators and a desalination plant to treat groundwater from the onsite bore. Three phase electricity and reticulated town water are connected to the property. 

Grimshaw said the region was characterised by cropping and grazing enterprises and is also a nationally recognised region for commercial chicken meat production with a significant number of broiler farms located in the region. 

Offers are due March 27.