Well-known Buderim farmer and landowner Peter Wise has passed away. He was 82.
Mr Wise was the owner of a 35-hectare property that is the last open space in the Maroochydore/Buderim area.
The Wise family owned and managed the farm for generations, while urban development sprawled around it.
Mr Wise – the name behind Wises Road – put the property on the market in 2022, attracting a significant amount of interest.
His family issued a statement late today paying tribute to Mr Wise.
“It is with deep regret that the Wise family advise of the passing of Peter Wise of Buderim, aged 82,” it read.
“Peter passed away on January 22 after a short stay in hospital.
“Peter was a well-known local farmer and property owner. Peter’s grandfather Frederick purchased a farm in Buderim in 1901, the year that Peter’s father Frank was born and called the property ‘Palmyra’.
“Peter started farming the property with his father full-time in 1958. In the 1960s Peter purchased approximately 300 acres of land adjoining Palmyra.
“The current balance of the total farm holdings is 39ha and referred to as Wises Farm on Wises Road, Buderim/Maroochydore.
“In all, this land has been farmed by four generations of the Wise family for over 120 years. Figs and coffee are currently produced with locals enjoying purchasing figs direct from the farm.
“Thirty-five hectares of the farm is currently for sale. When announcing the sale of the farm is 2022, Peter stated: ‘My decision to sell from a personal perspective is influenced by age and one’s lifetime expectation, a reality connected to the relentless forward movement of time.’
“He was a very proud Australian with a passion for farming and paying homage to his heritage. He was also a strong community advocate, always seeking sound, logical planning outcomes for the Sunshine Coast.
“Peter is survived by his wife Ivy, children and grandchildren and will be dearly missed.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the region had lost a significant figure in its agricultural history with the passing of “Maroochydore’s last farmer”.
“There is no doubt that with the passing of Peter Wise, we have lost a significant figure in the region’s agricultural history and a man with a great passion for the land and a desire to see the Sunshine Coast flourish into the future.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this time.’’
A service celebrating Peter’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 30.
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