Outback Date Farms

13/09/2026

Update – Recent Developments

Since our original Summary was prepared, the situation with Murweh Shire Council has unfortunately become more serious.

We are currently in ongoing discussions with Council regarding arrangements for the supply of water to Outback Date Farms, including the future of the current recycled water arrangements. At this stage, no secure and financially viable alternative water supply has been agreed. We have obtained legal advice, and the matter is now being handled with the assistance of our solicitors.

Separately, we have engaged town planners to prepare a response to the Council’s concerns with our development application and Council is expected to decide the application within the next month. The application includes our existing tourist activities/day tours, and if Council refuses the application, we intend to exercise our rights to appeal that decision.

Our preferred outcome has not changed. We want Outback Date Farms to continue operating and are seeking a fair, practical and affordable water solution. We believe alternative options, including a suitable bore supply, should be properly investigated. We are now seeking assistance from relevant State and Federal representatives, government agencies, and agricultural and tourism organisations in the hope that a workable solution can be found before the future of the farm is irreparably affected.

06/09/2026

Here is a heartwarming video made by our Son-in-Law Jose Lopez, 'The Date Farmer'.

Mark's Journey and passion of date farming.Starting in Alice Sprin...

05/09/2026

For those of you who don’t know about our current situation with the local council (Murweh Shire Council), that is affecting our entire future - here it is….

02/08/2026

Hello Everyone. It’s been a long long time since I posted. So… Here is a little two minute snippet from Queensland Weekender TV show on Channel 7 that showed this past Sunday for your viewing pleasure

10/02/2026

Dear friends of Outback Date Farms.
Looks like we will be harvesting the yellow Buy Dates, the crisp, crunchy, very sweet, delicious DATES that many people have not tried, (but lots of you have),this coming Monday Tuesday and Wednesday.
As many of you know, we took email addresses and wanted to contact you prior to harvest. This work is still in progress but we are getting there. In the meantime anybody who wants some dates posted by express mail through Australia Post, the yellow Barhee crunchy sweet ones only at this stage
, Please contact us by Facebook. More information to follow. Selling in 2 1/2 & 5 kg boxes.
Kindest regards and thank you for your interest in our enterprise.
Things are a little delayed here due to funerals and other matters.
Hope you are all well

07/02/2026

The plantation is shaping up nicely. Here’s a shot from the air.

07/02/2026

Dear Friends,
It’s been a while since I posted. There has been a lot on.
Looks like our first pick of the new date season will be on 16-18 Feb. There is some chance of rain before then but God willing, it will be minimal.
Our 7xdate processing machines have been made and are to be shipped in the next few days. Takes 35 days to get to Port of Brisbane so might not make it for this harvest as they have yet to be installed.
Our big shed and cold rooms are under construction, but also will not be usable for this harvest, and we have no power yet. The solar array is yet to be constructed too.
So you see, we are well underway, but not there yet.
Another big thing that has happened is that my wife Veronica’s father, Alan Klante, died recently and is to be buried on 20 Feb, so there will be a quick trip to Tottenham, NSW for that. Alan gave us a great deal of support in this date project we are undertaking.
So there is a bit of news for you. It won’t be a big harvest this year, but we hope to make good use of what the Lord gives us.

Kind regards to all
Mark