In the wake of the finalization of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and recent free trade agreements within Asia and Oceania, which are expected to drive a wave a growth in direct agricultural investment in Australia and New Zealand, Australia’s CBRE Group has announced the significant expansion of its Pacific Agribusiness team.

 

CBRE’s team for Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and New Zealand has been boosted to over 40 individuals with the addition of seven new brokers, analysts, and valuers.

 

Queensland is a region of particular focus by the group according to CBRE Regional Director of Agribusiness, Danny Thomas, with the addition of four new team members taking the total team to 12 – one of the largest agribusiness teams in CBRE’s Agribusiness network.

 

“Queensland is the hottest rural market in the country at present, rebuilding strongly in the wake of the rebound in beef prices and markedly improved outlook,” Mr. Thomas said. “There is an unprecedented level of liquidity in the northern beef market at present, with an increasing number of local and international groups circling for opportunities. Inquiry is strong and is coming from a number of traditional and new domestic investors, as well as new entrants from North and South America, Europe, Middle East and Asia.”

 

A key Queensland hire announced by CBRE is Tom Warriner, former manager for Consolidated Pastoral Company who was appointed as Senior Manager. Mr. Thomas states that Mr. Warriner’s appointment will add backing to the team, which also hired Mick Houston and Victoria Ross, both hired as assistant valuers, and Camilla Glasser who was hired as an Agribusiness Analyst who will assist the transaction team.

 

The New South Wales team was also expanded with the addition of Richie Inglis, formerly with Hassad Australia, to serve as a manager in the agency team along with agent, Peter Etheridge and Chris Davidson.

 

Other new appointments include agribusiness analyst, Keiran Smith in New Zealand and James Pike who will serve as an assistant valuer in Victoria.

 

“The expansion of the team will ensure that we delivering real advantage to our clients and provide the highest level of service and support as our clients continue to invest in the Pacific agribusiness sector,” Mr. Thomas said.