FIRB approval given for prized land deal

By Krista Schade

The sale of one of the largest agricultural portfolios in NSW has received approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). The approval is the final step in a reported $780 million deal.

The sale consists of three major freehold title land aggregations within the Deniliquin, Hay and Coonamble districts including Boonoke, Burrabogie, Wanganella and Wingadee stations.

Australian Food and Agriculture agreed to terms last year with Agriculture and Natural Solutions Acquisition Corporation (ANSAC).

ANSAC is a group of investors, including Bert Glover, founder of the Australian and US-owned specialist agricultural investment and development firm Impact Ag Partners, which has offices in Armidale in NSW and Montana in the US.

Mr Glover grew up in the Yass area, and spent his early years working in the industry as a jackaroo next door to Boonoke, at 'Willurah'.

In September 2024, Mr Glover told The Riverine Grazier his intention would be for businesses to run as usual with all current staff retained. 

The iconic land holding of 18 properties, covering 225,000 hectares, were listed for sale last year after the death of AFA’s Colin Bell several years ago.