WA’s Hutt River Province near Northampton goes on the market as EOI campaign begins

The former Hutt River Province micronation, near Northampton, is officially for sale, with an expression of interest campaign being run by Elders Real Estate. The 6100ha grain and sheep property, owned by the Casley family, became an independent principality 50 years ago when the late Leonard Casley announced he was seceding from Australia, following a dispute over wheat production quotas. Prince Leonard invoked a provision in the Magna Carta. He declared himself prince and the 75 sqkm property an independent State, which he ruled until he abdicated in favour of his son Graeme in 2017. In 2017 court case, the late Prince Leonard and Prince Graeme’s older brother Arthur Wayne Casley were ordered to pay more than $3 million in back taxes they maintained they did not owe. With tourism supplementing the farm business, the business was forced to shut its borders when COVID-19 restricted visitors. A downturn in farm income also contributed to the decision to close the gate and sell the business. Mr Casley would not comment on expected price, and Elders’ listing agent Kris Teakle could not be contacted. Marketing material about the property said interest in such a unique property would prompt a wide cast of local, interstate and international enquiries. "An astute investor will have the choice to enhance the farmland and current infrastructure to improve on what's there now or lease out the settlement area for any number of commercial ventures," Ms Teakle said. Prince Graeme said it was a very emotional time for the family. He said like many other businesses, the tourism operation could not survive the COVID-19 downturn. The property is located 43km north west of Northampton, on Ogilvie West Road, Yallabatharra.