For the Central Highlands, the Iona Project is as much a community story as an industry one. The regional economy is heavily dependent on coal mining, and the project's backers see real long-term value in helping to diversify the local economic base, building activity that can support the region regardless of what happens in mining over the coming decades.

Once operational, Iona is expected to support 427 ongoing jobs, on top of 188 during construction, a meaningful boost for Emerald and the surrounding towns. The project also aims to keep more of Queensland's cattle being processed within the state. Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development and Member for Gregory Sean Dillon noted that developing this capacity at Emerald would help retain processing volumes in Queensland rather than sending cattle to southern states.

State leaders have framed the project as an example of the growth potential of regional primary industries. Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett pointed to projects like Iona as central to the government's goal of lifting the value of Queensland's primary industries to $30 billion by 2030, and to growing regional economies along the way.

Underpinning all of it is a collaborative approach. The project team has emphasised working in partnership with government, industry and the wider community; an example, in their words, of optimism about the region's future and confidence in Queensland's beef industry. As the project progresses through its approvals, keeping the local community informed and involved will remain a priority.