Canomie Park on Tanby is the site of the first pure Brahman stud in the Rockhampton district, the Cherokee Stud established by Lionel De Landelles at Canomie in the 1960’s. Steeped in history, the land has strong ties to the Rockhampton and Yeppoon agricultural industry and was instrumental in introducing the Cherokee bloodlines throughout the Brahman cattle industry. By the early 1980’s, it was e
stimated that 80 per cent of all stud Brahmans throughout Australia shared bloodlines with the cattle originating from the Cherokee Stud. For many years, the annual Cherokee Stud Sale was held at the picturesque Canomie yards, with purchasers and onlookers travelling from across Australia to participate. In 1984 the sales grew to such an event that the annual Cherokee cattle sale was held at the Rockhampton Pilbeam Theatre in an elaborate stage production. In 1985, Lionel DeLandeles sold Canomie to Jack and Joan Duffy. Joan’s son Alan Hayes and his wife Judy came up from Brisbane for a holiday, and with the area too beautiful to leave, decided to stay. In 1988, the decision was made to start a turf farm, which evolved into Big Al’s Turf Farm still being run today by Alan and Judy. With the rich history that this land holds for the greater Rockhampton and Yeppoon district, Canomie is once again being returned to a showplace. Most of the old Cherokee Brahman Stud cattle yards including animal husbandry sheds and cattle surgery area, grain silos and feeding troughs are making way for large picturesque home blocks at tranquil Tanby. Canomie Park was once home to stud Brahman cattle, but is now going to be home to people wanting to live close to Yeppoon and Emu Park, with easy access to Rockhampton, and enjoy the lifestyle that this area offers. The property is being developed by CQ Coastal Developments Pty. Ltd., a company formed by locals, Tub Barlow, Luke Hendrie, and Mark Windress, who are focusing on developing quality subdivisions. They are developing premium acreage blocks, with Stage 1 now selling, offering buyers the chance to build their own personal showplace on this historic and scenic property. With flat and gently sloping block sizes ranging from 4011m2 to 5539m2 , there is plenty of room to build a shed for the boat or caravan and for the kids to run, play or kick a ball. The blocks all have full town services including kerbed and channelled streets, water supply, sewerage and underground power.
