Discover the shocking truth as Australians rally to reclaim a beloved dairy farm from a controversial Chinese owner. What really happened after the takeover?
There’s a rallying cry reverberating across Australia, a homegrown movement driven by an unwavering purpose: to reassert national control over the historic Woolnorth, a 200-year-old dairy farm symbolizing Australia’s rich agricultural heritage, cradled amidst the raw beauty of northwest Tasmania. Currently, this beloved icon finds itself in the possession of Chinese billionaire Xianfeng Lu, who has opened the property up for global bidding. But the unwavering Aussie spirit rises to the challenge; bolstered by a wave of national pride and an unshakeable resolve, Australians stand steadfast in the face of international competition, pledging to bring Woolnorth back home.
More than sheer acreage and livestock, Woolnorth is a living testament to time, echoing the ebb and flow of Australia’s farming history. The property showcases more than its storied past; it invites you into an elegant homestead resting amidst eight bustling dairies and a wind farm caressed by the Tasmanian breeze. Woolnorth had once worn the mantle of ‘Australia’s Most Productive Dairy Farm,’ a title that locals steadfastly believe it can – and should – reclaim.
The Call to Action
When the campaign to buy back Woolnorth began, Australia responded with an overwhelming wave of support. Australia’s page on Facebook quickly became a beacon for this patriotic cause, drawing in a remarkable 6,000 expressions of interest in just 32 hours. The collective strength and determination of the Australian people was evident in this momentous response.
Looking at Woolnorth, it isn’t hard to see why so many were captivated by this campaign. Nestled on some of Tasmania’s most awe-inspiring coastline, the farm is a demonstration of natural beauty and agricultural prowess. The estate comes complete with 30 homes, a 13-stand shearing shed that tells a rich farming history, two extensive cattle yards that bear testament to its impressive scale, and countless farm and livestock sheds that hint at its inherent potential.
Proclaiming Woolnorth’s air to be the ‘cleanest in the world,’ a captivating promotional video was part of the sales package. This extravagant claim resonated with many Australians who believe in Tasmania’s unique, unpolluted charm—the crystalline air, the clear skies, and the abundant wildlife. This quality of life, reminiscent of a bygone era, seemed to call out to potential investors, urging them to consider the restoration and preservation of this iconic farm.
Previous Attempts
In recent history, there have been instances where Australians passionately rallied together to reclaim iconic Australian land from, not just Chinese, but foreign ownership at large. One notable event that still resonates with many is the audacious bid to crowdfund the return of the Kidman property. This property held the title of being the largest terrestrial landholding globally at the time.
The massive show of support, unfortunately, did not pan out as would have been the ideal scenario for most Aussies. The Kidman station was eventually snapped up by Western Australian mining billionaire, Gina Rinehart, who collaborated with a small Chinese firm for the purchase.
James Bennett, a zealous advocate for Australian ownership of economic assets, is the brain behind the Australia’s Page campaign. He staunchly asserts that several other nations implement structures that prevent their property from being sold abroad. This perspective essentially underlines the urgency of restricting key resources within the confines of local ownership.
The Repercussions of Foreign Ownership
Woolnorth, an iconic piece of Tasmanian territory, was bought by businessman Lu Jianxiang from China in the not-so-distant past. This acquisition got the green light from the Foreign Investment Review Board, but the approval came with some prerequisites. Expectations were set for Lu to generate job opportunities, stimulate infrastructural growth and undertake environment-conscious endeavors.
Unfortunately, these aspirations fell short. Critics argue that the businessman has not fulfilled the commitments he obligated himself to. The situation triggered major upheavals within Woolnorth’s directorial ranks, with as many as five directors stepping down during 2018 due to the emerging issues. This compelling case highlights the potential repercussions when overseas entities gain control of key domestic resources, creating challenging dynamics and sparking a wider – and needed – conversation about national asset ownership.
The Downfall of Woolnorth
Xianfeng Lu, the controversial owner, had ambitious plans to radically alter Tasmania’s milk industry. His original vision was to transport millions of liters of fresh Tasmanian milk to the bustling metropolises of Ningbo, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing under his brand, Van Dairy. Lu envisioned countless Chinese consumers enjoying wholesome, quality Tasmanian milk – something that was to become an integral part of his business strategy.
Unfortunately, this grand plan did not materialize. When the aspiration to fly milk directly to Chinese consumers fell through, already-existing business arrangements started to crumble.
One of these arrangements was a crucial contract with New Zealand dairy co-operative Fonterra. This pivotal deal, designed to support Lu’s original vision, abruptly ended in February. Its termination signaled not just a setback for Lu’s dream, but a devastating blow to the farm itself.
Tragically, the cessation of the Fonterra contract led to the severe reduction of the dairy herd. Over 700 milking cows, once seen as living, breathing symbols of Lu’s ambition, met an unfortunate end.
The death of these cows and the failed Fonterra contract was, indeed, symbolic. The once-thriving Woolnorth dairy operation had reached a critical point. The inevitable occurred – a ‘for sale’ sign was hoisted as a stark reminder of unfulfilled visions and unmet commitments.
Allegations and Compliance Issues: A Yawning Gap in Animal Welfare
In the dirty underbelly of dairy farming, the story of Woolnorth took a disturbing turn in 2019 when staff raised allegations of inhumane treatment of animals. The accusations didn’t exist in isolation. They were a grim reflection of a systemic issue that had allowed the welfare of dairy cows to take a backseat, resulting in many being left to languish and die in effluent. Problems went beyond disease-ridden cattle showing symptoms of mastitis. They pointed to a fundamental breakdown in their care, with instances of cattle going without feed for days and struggling due to an insufficient supply of water.
Audits Uncover An Ugly Truth
Worse still, these on-the-ground realities were betraying the trust of consumers and shaking industry standards. In 2021, the environmental protection agency conducted audits and uncovered a failure rate as high as 83%. This was not merely a case of meeting the dairy premises effluent management code of practice; it was about not complying with it across 23 farms owned by the company.
High-Profile Support for Reclaiming Australian Dairy
As concerns mounted, a wave of support swept across Australia to reclaim the dairy farm from foreign ownership. High-profile Australians, not the least of whom was entrepreneur Dick Smith, rallied for returning the stewardship of the farm and its thousands of cows back to Australian hands. Their collective action reflected a larger concern about the state of Australian ownership and a desire to right the moral compass.
The State of Australian Farm Ownership
The picture of Australian farming is changing rapidly. As per the latest figures shared by the Foreign Investment Review Board, foreign ownership accounts for 12.3% of farmland – a total of 47.71 million hectares – in Australia. Importantly, this marks the lowest level of foreign ownership seen in the farming sector over the last seven years.
Stephen Fisher, Director of the Circular Head Farming Group, has provided a practical solution to this situation. Fisher strongly advocates for the use of Australian funds to invest in the acquisition of farms. He believes that these farms should then be occupied and managed by capable Australian farmers. Fisher’s goal is not simply to reduce foreign ownership, but to provide a stepping stone for young people eager to delve into the farming industry.
The successful implementation of Fisher’s approach can be seen with Circular Farms. This initiative has so far secured dairy farms for twelve couples, providing them not only with a livelihood but also the fulfilment of their dream to farm. Through Fisher’s belief in harnessing local resources and empowering young Australians, Circular Farms is creating a meaningful change and preserving the integrity of Australian farming.
The Bottom Line
As we delve deeper into the heart of this sensitive matter, the implications become glaringly evident. This isn’t just about a dairy farm acquisition or single instances of malpractice; it’s a manifestation of broader issues of land use, global investments, and accountability. We are reminded of the beauty of localisation in the dairy industry and the irreplaceable value it presents to the community and the economy. What we’re witnessing is an urgent call for a coherent national strategy on farm ownership, decisive action on compliance issues, and a collective effort to preserve our treasured farmlands. Whether it’s about views of rolling pastures, fresh local milk, or maintaining Australia’s dairy farming heritage, the underlying message remains clear: it’s high time we protect, respect, and, if need be, reclaim our ground.
