Bailiwick Legal Advises on Landmark Acquisition of Rawlinna Station by Consolidated Pastoral Company

January 5, 2026

Author name

Bailiwick Legal is proud to have acted for Consolidated Pastoral Company (CPC) in its successful acquisition of Rawlinna Station, Australia’s largest sheep station, located on the remote Nullarbor Plain in Western Australia.

 

Spanning over 1 million hectares and running approximately 30,000 sheep, Rawlinna is an iconic pastoral asset with a rich legacy, having been held by the MacLachlan family’s Jumbuck Pastoral Company since its establishment in 1962. The sale marks the first change of ownership in over six decades and was finalised following formal approval from the Western Australian Government for the transfer of the pastoral leases.

 

This transaction involved navigating:

  • The transfer of three separate pastoral leases
  • Coordination across multiple vendor entities
  • Consideration of livestock and operating assets
  • Fulfilment of regulatory and compliance requirements, including WA lease approval processes

 

Bailiwick Legal is a boutique agricultural and regional law firm, proudly based in Perth and Bridgetown, Western Australia. Our role in this acquisition demonstrates that deep sector knowledge, local insight, and personalised legal support are crucial for agribusiness clients managing complex, high-value transactions.

 

Our team, led by our regionally-based solicitor, Matilda Lloyd, provided end-to-end legal and strategic support, including:

  • Due diligence on land tenure and operating assets
  • Contract negotiation and preparation
  • Advice on regulatory approvals and compliance
  • Strategic coordination with CPC’s internal and external stakeholders to ensure a smooth and timely settlement

 

We are honoured to have supported CPC in this milestone acquisition and look forward to watching

Rawlinna’s next chapter unfolds.

 

At Bailiwick Legal, we believe that regional expertise, deep industry knowledge, and relationship-based service remain essential to agribusiness success, no matter the scale.

 

Congratulations to all parties involved, including the MacLachlan family, whose stewardship of Rawlinna leaves a lasting legacy in Australian agriculture.

 

– The Bailiwick Legal Team

Working alongside agribusinesses to grow, transition, and thrive.


For assistance with all of your agribusiness needs, contact Bailiwick Legal on 08 9321 5451 or email office@bailiwicklegal.com.au


By Matilda Lloyd (Associate) 


For further information about our legal services, please visit our website: https://www.bailiwicklegal.com.au


The above information is a summary and overview of the matters discussed. This publication does not constitute legal advice and you should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.

Bailiwick Legal newsletter June 2024 edition

By Jessica Brunner • June 19, 2024
Our June 2024 newsletter is now available. Have a read to find out what we have been up to in the first half of the year!

ISCC Spraying decision

May 14, 2024
The International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) System has come to the attention of many Western Australian farmers recently, as the scheme has changed one of its policies regarding aerial spraying. What is the ISCC? The ISCC is one of the world’s largest voluntary sustainability certification schemes enabling participants to demonstrate they are producing materials in a sustainable way that meets or exceeds community expectations. In Australia it is widely used in the canola industry, enabling Australian canola growers to access the European biofuel market. CBH Marketing and Trading holds certification for the ISCC EU and ISCC PLUS programs, that cover canola, barley, oats, wheat and lupin, allowing WA growers to participate in both programs. Participating in the ISCC program can result in a premium on grain, however participants are subject to more stringent measures to satisfy sustainability accreditation requirements. Recent decision on aerial spraying ISCC Principle 2.6.2 prevents aerial spraying from taking place within 500 metres of a body of water. CBH has successfully lobbied for an exemption to this Principle, for farm dams and salt lakes of low ecological value. As part of its lobbying, CBH provided expert reports to the ISCC on the hydrology and ecology of WA farm systems. For farmers who are signed up to the ISCC program, this removes an obstacle during the season for weed management. The Principle does still require a 500 metre buffer for other bodies of water, including freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds or creeks. However, for those who farm yabbies and marron, this change may not be welcome. Marron and yabby farmers have noticed impacts on their populations where aerial spraying has taken place close to their properties, and aerial spraying can unintentionally damage natural vegetation, including young and old growth trees. For growers, it’s always prudent to follow best practice guidelines for aerial spraying to avoid spray drift – including monitoring weather conditions and the effect of water added to the chemical. For some farmers, this decision may prompt an examination of whether signing up to the ISCC program might be best for their business. In this circumstance, it is important to weigh up the potential benefits of the program compared to the sustainability accreditation requirements. For others, this decision is a timely reminder to stay up to date with best practice guidelines when it comes to spraying, particularly during the seeding season. For assistance with all of your agribusiness needs, contact Bailiwick Legal on 08 9321 5451 or email office@bailiwicklegal.com.au By Ciara Nalty (Solicitor) For further information about our legal services, please visit our website: https://www.bailiwicklegal.com.au The above information is a summary and overview of the matters discussed. This publication does not constitute legal advice and you should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.

Annual Wage Review on the horizon

May 14, 2024
How does the Annual Wage Review affect workers and small business owners? Each year, the Fair Work Commission reviews the National Minimum Wage and the minimum wages set out in awards. Cost of living and inflation are front of mind for both employers and employees, and this year’s Annual Wage Review is likely to see an increase in the minimum wage and award rates. The Annual Wage Review is conducted by an Expert Panel, which takes submissions from interested groups, including the Federal Government, unions, and business lobby groups. The Federal Government’s submission to the Wage Review this year called for an increase to the minimum wage, though not specifying an amount. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has advocated for an increase of 2 per cent, at most. The announcement will likely take place in early June and any increase to the national minimum wage will take effect in the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2024. Failure to pay employees at least the minimum rate that is set out in an applicable award can result in penalties, including requirements for back pay and fines. The Fair Work Ombudsman uses its enforcement powers to issue compliance notices to employers, and recovered $14.8 million in unpaid wages in 2022-23. Small and medium businesses are subject to the same scrutiny as large businesses. For business owners, this is a timely reminder to review employment agreements and payments to staff. You should be conscious of which awards cover your staff members, as award rates for each level increase commensurate with the national minimum wage increase. It is also important to be aware of employee entitlements and set-offs, to ensure you are paying employees what they’re entitled to and avoiding future claims. If you are not sure what award your employee is covered by, have a question about employment conditions or require any other assistance with employment and workplace matters contact Bailiwick Legal on 08 9321 5451 or email office@bailiwicklegal.com.au . By Ciara Nalty (Solicitor) For further information about our legal services, please visit our website: https://www.bailiwicklegal.com.au The above information is a summary and overview of the matters discussed. This publication does not constitute legal advice and you should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.