148 East is an Australian agribusiness founded by four generational cattle families, developing the Iona Project, an integrated beef production and processing precinct in Central Queensland.
Overview
148 East is an Australian agribusiness founded by four generational cattle families, developing the Iona Project, an integrated beef production and processing precinct in Emerald, Central Queensland.
With hundreds of roles ahead across planning, construction and operations, there are many ways to get involved. Talk to us about partnerships, supply and procurement, or register your interest in future employment, apprenticeship, graduate and procurement opportunities.
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Iona Project enters formal development application process following prescribed project declaration
The Iona Project has entered the formal development application process, marking a major milestone as the project moves from planning and design towards construction and delivery.
Community
24 July 2025
What Iona means for Central, Western, and Northern Queensland
Beyond beef, the Iona Project is about regional jobs and economic diversification for a Central Highlands community that leans heavily on coal mining.
Project
21 July 2025
Technology-led design sets a new benchmark for beef processing
The Iona Project is being designed around automation, artificial intelligence and integrated sustainability systems to create a next-generation beef processing precinct.
Project
17 July 2025
Iona Project declared a prescribed project by the Queensland Government
The Queensland Government has declared the Iona beef processing project near Emerald a "prescribed project," fast-tracking approvals for a facility that could process up to 200,000 head of cattle a year.
Milestones
2 February 2023
Groundwater validation confirms a secure water supply for the Iona Project
Groundwater investigations confirmed a secure and sustainable water supply, providing a critical foundation for the long-term operation of the Iona Project.
Milestones
6 June 2022
Specialist design team appointed to shape the Iona Project
148 East appointed specialist advisors to begin the planning and design of the integrated Iona Project, translating the project's vision into a buildable development.
Milestones
2 February 2022
Site selection establishes the foundation for the Iona Project
148 East secured the Iona Downs site in February 2022 following a detailed assessment of location, infrastructure and long-term suitability for an integrated processing precinct.
Milestones
1 November 2021
148 East established by four Central Queensland cattle families
Four founding families formed 148 East to drive the abattoir investment, committing significant seed funding to get the project underway.
Milestones
1 November 2018
Community forum held to explore regional processing opportunity
A community forum hosted by the Central Highlands Regional Council brought local interest together, and a steering committee was formed to explore investment in a regional abattoir.
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