Falkiner Memorial Field Station is being set up to undertake wool harvesting training as it looks for a new lessee. Image – AWI.

AUSTRALIAN Wool Innovation will require the co-operation of the new lessee of the Falkiner Memorial Field Station as it works to also establish a wool harvesting and research capability at the property near Conargo in New South Wales.

AWI is establishing a permanent on-going wool harvesting training facility at the station and is also seeking a lessee for the 3126.8 hectare station, with expressions of interest closing on 14 April 2023.

AWI chair Jock Laurie has told Sheep Central the station will be ready by May to begin training of PALM workers.

There is only one main entrance to the station and although there will be no requirement of a lessee to provide sheep for training or research, AWI has retained use of station facilities for wool harvesting training and potentially a biological defleecing trial.

The Falkiner Memorial Field Station was established in the Riverina near Deniliquin by the CSIRO in the 1940s and has been used for agricultural research by CSIRO, and lately by other institutions, ever since. The station is now controlled by AWI.

AWI has confirmed that there has been interest in leasing the station’s lands, but will not discuss specific proposals as the tender is live. Individual offers will be thoroughly assessed, AWI said.

FMFS comprises a broad acre grazing / irrigation holding situated some 20 kilometres northeast of Deniliquin, in the southern Riverina region of New South Wales. The land area of 3126.8 hectares (7,726.5 acres), comprised 2,713.8 ha (6,705.7 acres) dryland farming and grazing, and 413 ha (1020.5 acres) developed for Irrigation.

AWI Ltd owns an associated Irrigation Water Licence of 2377 MIL water and delivery entitlements that provide 1973 megalitres of General Security water at 100 percent allocation that may also be available in association with the lease subject to offer.

AWI will retain exclusive access to a number of buildings not required for usual farm operations.      Access to MIL annual water entitlements will be separate from the lease of the land and essential farm infrastructure.

Expressions of interest are being sought to lease FMFS for 1-5 years and $/annum details should be submitted by email with the EOI to the above address. The highest or any expression of interest will not necessarily be accepted. EOIs to submit a proposal to lease FMFS close at 5pm (AEST) Friday 14 April, 2023. Proponents will be provided with full property details and the opportunity to inspect the property on receipt of their EOI.

A detailed information pack is available from: AWI on 02 8295 3100 or [email protected]