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Careers and opportunities

The Iona Project is expected to create long-term employment and business opportunities across planning, construction and operations. As the project progresses, 148 East is committed to building regional capability and supporting a skilled local workforce. Information on future employment, apprenticeships, graduate pathways, procurement opportunities and project updates will be shared here as they become available.

Our approach

The success of the Iona Project will depend on attracting skilled people, building local capability and working collaboratively with industry, education providers and regional communities. Where practical, 148 East will seek to employ local people, support regional businesses and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce that benefits the region well beyond the life of construction.

As the project progresses, opportunities will continue to evolve across planning, construction and operations, creating pathways for people and businesses to contribute to the long-term success of the Iona Project.

Future opportunities

The Iona Project is expected to create opportunities across every stage of development, from project planning and construction through to ongoing operations. As the project progresses, employment opportunities are anticipated across a broad range of disciplines, including:

  • Operations and Production
  • Engineering, Maintenance and Project Delivery
  • Environment, Sustainability and HSE
  • Quality, Food Safety and Animal Welfare
  • Supply Chain and Logistics
  • Business and Corporate Services
  • Technology and Innovation
  • Graduate, Apprentice and Trainee Pathways

Recruitment will occur progressively as project approvals, construction and operational milestones are achieved.

Regional participation

The Iona Project is expected to create opportunities for people, businesses and industry throughout planning, construction and ongoing operations. Where practical, 148 East will seek to employ local people, engage regional suppliers and support workforce development through apprenticeships, traineeships, graduate pathways and collaboration with education providers and industry partners. By strengthening local capability and regional supply chains, the project aims to create lasting economic benefits that extend well beyond the project site.

Register your interest

Recruitment for the Iona Project has not yet commenced.

If you are interested in future employment, apprenticeship, graduate or procurement opportunities, we encourage you to register your interest to receive project updates and notifications as opportunities become available.

Latest 148 East updates

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Milestones
6 May 2026

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.