Following site selection, detailed design and groundwater investigations, the Iona Project has entered the formal development application (DA) process. This marks an important milestone as the project progresses from planning into the approvals phase required before construction can begin.

The development application outlines the proposed integrated precinct, including the processing facility, adjacent feedlot and supporting infrastructure for renewable energy generation, water treatment and by-product processing. Following its declaration as a prescribed project in 2025, the approval process is being coordinated by the Queensland Coordinator-General in partnership with the Central Highlands Regional Council to help streamline assessment across government.

Entering the DA process reflects several years of technical studies, environmental investigations and stakeholder engagement undertaken by 148 East and its project partners. As the application moves through assessment, the project takes another step towards construction and the delivery of new jobs, regional investment and additional beef processing capacity for Central Queensland.