Council decides to sell off farm donated 'in good faith' to community

The Shire of Boyup Brook council is under intense scrutiny following its decision to sell Rylington Park, a 596-hectare mixed farm that was gifted to the community by local farmer Eric Farleigh.

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He gave his farm in good faith … to see it going the way it is going is very disappointing

Mr. Farleigh donated the property with the explicit wish that it be retained "for the benefit of persons within the shire and for research purposes." For over three decades, the farm was managed by volunteers, becoming a vital hub for community events like field days and shearing schools, as well as agricultural research.

However, the Shire of Boyup Brook took direct control in 2020 and, earlier this year, decided to wind down operations. The plan involves selling off assets and leasing the property. The council states this "new management model" will ensure community cropping, research trails, and scholarship funding continue in line with Mr. Farleigh's original intentions.

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Sheep were donated, the machinery was pretty run down … and over the years they got it up to running pretty well

Despite the council's assurances, the decision has met with significant opposition. Retired farmer Richard Turner, a former chairman of the Rylington Park committee, expressed deep disappointment, stating the move dishonors Mr. Farleigh's legacy and the volunteers' efforts. He highlighted that under volunteer management, the farm had become a profitable business with assets valued at approximately $1.3 million, including machinery and livestock.

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The Shire of Boyup Brook took direct control of the farming enterprise in 2020, but earlier this year decided to wind down the operation by selling off assets and leasing out the property.

The council cited the financial risk of a small shire, with fewer than 2,000 residents, managing such a large operation as the reason for ceasing direct control. Most of the land will be leased, and all farm equipment and livestock will be sold by early 2027, with proceeds reserved for a potential future restart. The council spokesperson emphasized a focus on securing the property's future for generations while limiting the financial burden on ratepayers, acknowledging that changing agricultural sector conditions also played a role.

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The council's decision to cease operations was attributed to the financial risk of a shire with a population of less than 2,000 running a large operation.