ONE of the founding station properties of the mid-Darling River floodplain will go under the hammer later this month for the first time in more than half a century.
Historic “Buckanbe” (pronounced BUCK-’n-bee) at Tilpa was taken up in the mid-1850s by William H. Suttor from the pioneering Suttor family of “Brucedale”, Bathurst.
Following the discovery of gold near Bathurst in 1851, and the ensuing influx of settlers, the Suttors (and other local pastoralists) had headed westwards in search of less crowded pasture lands.
The Suttors had heard from their friend, the explorer and Surveyor-General, Thomas Mitchell, about the empty lands along the Darling River, and thus began a long Suttor association with the Far West.
By 1880, the “Buckanbe” run – encompassing 178,000 acres (72,000 hectares) – was still one of just a handful of huge holdings occupying the Darling frontage from Bourke to Wilcannia.
Other Darling stations of the period included “Toorale”, “Dunlop”, “Kallara”, “Marra”, “Momba”, “Murtee”, “Cultowa”, “Nelyambo”, “Curranyalpa”, “Winbar” and “Budda”.
Following the passing of the Land Act 1884 the big runs began to be broken up, but members of the Suttor family continued to hold or manage portions of several stations, including “Buckanbe”.
In 1956 “Buckanbe” – by then reduced to about 19,000ha – was bought by brothers, Gordon and Tom Middleton, for the princely sum of 17 shillings ($1.70) an acre.
Four years later Gordon bought out his brother’s share, and in 1972, after winning a make-up block of 10,000ha from nearby “Curranyalpa”, he was able to bring his son, Colin, into the business.
More fortuitous still was the honouring in 1982 of a gentlemen’s agreement made in 1956 between Gordon and Bill Suttor, of adjoining “Wygilla”, whereby each undertook to give the other first right of refusal in the event of either wishing to sell.
This enabled the Middletons to secure “Wygilla” when Bill, the last Suttor, withdrew from the Darling, virtually doubling the size of “Buckanbe”. The make-up block, no longer needed, was sold.
And now, after 54 years on “Buckanbe”, a century of Middleton family involvement in the Western Division is also coming to an end with the decision by Colin to sell up and pursue other ventures.
The property – now a respectable 39,607ha (98,070ac) – has been listed for sale with David Russell of Landmark Russell, Cobar, and will go to auction in Dubbo on October 22.
Described by Mr Russell as one of the “pick” Darling River properties, “Buckanbe” is five kilometres downstream of Tilpa, where it fronts the east bank of the river for about 25 kilometres.
The property is exceptionally well-watered, thanks to the Acres Billabong system (Edward Acres was an early owner, in between Suttors) which winds through “Buckanbe” for about 40km.
Filling from the Darling and local run-off, this east-west system incorporates many large water holes lasting for as many as 12 months.
In addition, five powered bores supply a reticulation system comprising some 50km of poly pipe, all designed – like the fencing and yards – to facilitate one-person management of the property.
The country ranges from flood-out river flats of black and grey soils to well-grassed open plains, lightly timbered red country, areas of lignum watercourse and gilgai.
Average rainfall is 275 millimetres a year, which supports strong stands of buffel and Mitchell grass, neverfail, native millet, button and umbrella grass, a wide range of edible salines, vetch and clovers.
Rated to carry 14,000 dry sheep equivalents (14,500 sheep shorn this year), the property is now running 9000 mixed age Merino ewes (now lambing), 4500 weaners and 400 Poll Hereford and Angus cattle.
In favourable seasons, “Buckanbe” has been able to augment normal station income from substantial cattle agistment earnings.
The homestead, built in 1980, is of split level design with four bedrooms, open-plan kitchen, reverse-cycle air conditioning and a timber decked verandah overlooking the in-ground pool.
It is set among established lawns and gardens (with automatic watering system) and a paved outdoor entertaining area overlooking the Acres Billabong.
Two self-contained Atco buildings adjacent to the homestead provide additional accommodation and shearers’ quarters provide for another 12, plus separate kitchen and mess buildings.
Working improvements include a machinery shed/workshop, five-stand woolshed with Atlex bugle sheepyards and sprinkler system, three outstation sheepyards and steel cattleyards to handle 200 head.
Bidding for “Buckanbe” is expected in the mid-$30/ac ($75/ha) bracket, based on previous sales of comparable western country, putting the likely price range in the low to mid $3 millions.
Contact Landmark Russell, Cobar, (02) 6836 2234.
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