The Shire of Boyup Brook has found itself at the centre of a heated community debate following its controversial decision to wind down operations and sell off assets at Rylington Park, a historic 596-hectare community farm. Valued at approximately $1.3 million, the mixed-farming property was originally gifted to the shire to benefit local agriculture and education, leaving many residents feeling that a sacred trust has been broken.

A Legacy in Jeopardy?

The property was donated more than three decades ago by local farming pioneer and community stalwart Eric Farleigh. Mr. Farleigh’s sole condition was that the land be retained "for the benefit of persons within the shire and for research purposes." For over 30 years, local volunteers ran the farm, transforming it from a run-down block into a thriving hub that hosted shearing schools, agricultural research trials, and community field days.

Richard Turner, a retired farmer who chaired the volunteer-led Rylington Park committee until the council took direct control in 2020, expressed profound disappointment over the decision. "He gave his farm in good faith... to see it going the way it is going is very disappointing," Mr. Turner said. He recalled how the local community united to build Rylington Park into a highly successful enterprise, which, at its peak, trained about 100 shearing and shed-hand students annually.

Financial Realities vs. Community Value

In defence of its decision, the Shire of Boyup Brook cited the escalating financial risks associated with running a large-scale agricultural operation. With a local population of fewer than 2,000 residents, the council argued that continuing direct management posed an unacceptable liability to ratepayers.

Under the council's newly adopted transition plan, the majority of the land will be leased out to private operators, and all livestock and machinery are slated for sale by early 2027. Local officials have stated that proceeds from the sales will be quarantined in a reserved account specifically earmarked for a potential future restart of the farm's operations.

A spokesperson for the shire emphasized that the decision was made with the farm's long-term sustainability in mind, pointing to rapidly changing conditions across the broader agricultural sector. While research trials and community cropping will continue under the new leasing model, the highly regarded shearing schools will be discontinued.

A Divided Town

The council’s explanation has done little to soothe local anger. Tensions boiled over during a recent council meeting on July 30, which had to be temporarily adjourned due to persistent disruptions and interjections from a packed public gallery.

Despite the widespread local outcry, the shire has received some key support. Eric Farleigh’s grandson, David Farleigh, publicly backed the council’s revised strategy. "I am satisfied the new management model... will retain the original intent of the gift given by Eric Farleigh," he stated, adding that he is confident his grandfather’s vision will continue to benefit the community into the foreseeable future.

Nevertheless, for many of the volunteers who dedicated decades of hard work to Rylington Park, the transition feels like the end of an era. "They're not doing what Mr. Farleigh wanted," Mr. Turner warned, reflecting the bittersweet sentiment shared by many in the tight-knit agricultural community.