148 East is committed to achieving sustainable outcomes by working collaboratively with stakeholders and communities throughout the life of the Iona Project. Through genuine engagement, open communication and shared commitment, 148 East seeks to build trust, align expectations and maintain enduring partnerships that create shared value for Central Queensland.
The success of the Iona Project depends on strong relationships with the communities, businesses, Traditional Owners, industry and stakeholders connected to the project. 148 East believes that collaboration creates stronger outcomes.
By bringing together local knowledge, technical expertise and community perspectives, we can better understand opportunities, address challenges and deliver a project that contributes positively to the region. We are committed to working together with stakeholders throughout planning, approvals, construction and operations because long-term success is built through partnership.
The Iona Project is expected to create employment during construction and ongoing operations across livestock production, processing, engineering, maintenance, administration, transport and supporting services. Where practical, 148 East will seek to employ local people and support the development of long-term regional skills and capability.
The project is expected to create more than 400 permanent full-time operational roles across processing, feedlot, farming and value adding operations, maintenance, administration and site management.
The project is expected to support more than 1,400 indirect jobs across Queensland's regional economies supporting transport, logistics, veterinary services, feed supply, construction, maintenance and other professional services.
Construction activities are expected to support a peak workforce of more than 200 full-time workers during the development phase.
148 East works closely with local councils, State agencies, industry organisations and regional stakeholders throughout project planning. Ongoing collaboration helps ensure technical, environmental, economic and community considerations are reflected in the project's development and assessment.
Local businesses are identified and engaged before contracts go to market. The project maintains a supplier register open to CQ-based businesses across construction, maintenance, transport and professional services. Engagement is structured around the project timeline, so local suppliers have adequate notice to prepare bids and meet capability requirements.
Engagement focuses on employment pathways, local business participation and the project's operational impact on the surrounding area. Community members are informed of major construction and operational milestones ahead of time. Feedback mechanisms are in place from construction commencement.
Engagement covers the development application process, infrastructure contribution negotiations and ongoing compliance reporting. Council is briefed ahead of major project milestones and consulted on decisions that affect local roads, utilities and services.
Formal submissions, regulatory consultation and reporting against approval conditions. Relevant departments are briefed at key project milestones. Engagement is structured around statutory requirements and does not extend beyond them without a specific purpose.
148 East aims to work with regional contractors, suppliers and service providers wherever practical. By sourcing goods and services locally where possible, the project can support regional businesses, strengthen local supply chains and retain more economic value within Central Queensland.
Contact us for more information on our local procurement process.
A formal Local Industry Participation Plan is being incorporated into major contracts during both construction and operations to encourage regional sourcing and subcontractor participation.
The operational target is for at least 60% of procurement expenditure to remain within Central Queensland during ongoing operations.
Tender processes may also include regional preference mechanisms for suitable local businesses where capability and delivery requirements are comparable.
148 East is committed to fostering meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through employment, training, procurement and business participation. The project's Engagement and Participation Plan establishes practical pathways for Indigenous workforce development and supplier engagement while supporting culturally appropriate consultation and long-term economic participation throughout the life of the project.
Contact us for more information on the Iona Project's Engagement and Participation Plan.
148 East aims to exceed its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment targets through structured recruitment, retention, and professional development initiatives. The project is focused on building long-term workforce participation and capability. Targets include a 5% employment rate, 80% retention, and 65% participation in professional development programs.
The project supports increased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business participation through targeted procurement policies and commercial engagement. This approach is designed to strengthen Indigenous business capability and regional supply chains. Targets include engagement with five Indigenous businesses during development and construction, five per year during operations, and referrals of four businesses per year.
148 East is committed to advancing reconciliation through consultation, education partnerships, and improved cultural capability across the organisation. These initiatives support stronger awareness, inclusive practices, and the development of improved HR and anti-discrimination frameworks to ensure a respectful and culturally informed workplace.
The project is committed to developing and implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan that guides its reconciliation efforts. The RAP will set clear actions and accountability measures across employment, procurement, and engagement, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation is embedded across the organisation long term.
148 East will engage with landholders, Traditional Owners, local businesses, industry, technical experts, all levels of government and the wider community throughout the planning and development of the Iona Project and into its operational phase.
Engagement is designed to provide timely and accurate project information, understand local perspectives, identify potential impacts and opportunities, and help inform project planning and decision-making. As the project progresses, engagement activities will continue to evolve, providing opportunities for stakeholders and community members to stay informed, ask questions and provide feedback.
To stay informed about upcoming community engagement activities, provide feedback or request further information at any stage, please contact the 148 East team.
