With the project concept established, 148 East began the search for a site capable of supporting an integrated beef processing and lotfeeding precinct. The location would need to provide the land, access, infrastructure and long-term suitability required for a development of this scale.

A detailed due diligence process assessed potential locations against a range of factors, including proximity to cattle supply, transport connections, site characteristics and the ability to support future operations. This process identified a property west of Emerald as the preferred location for the project.

In February 2022, 148 East secured the 2,500-hectare Iona Downs site, approximately 22 kilometres from Emerald. The acquisition provided the project with a defined location and the foundation needed to progress from concept development into detailed planning, design and approvals.