The Iona Project is progressing through staged planning, detailed design, approvals and engineering before construction. A multidisciplinary Project Control Group provides strategic oversight throughout development, bringing together expertise across agriculture, engineering, commercial development and project delivery.
Planning for the Iona Project has progressed through concept development, feasibility assessment and key regulatory milestones. The project is currently progressing through detailed engineering design and development approvals.
The Iona Project is being delivered in stages through design, approvals and construction planning. In 2025, the Iona Project was awarded the title of a Prescribed Project by the Queensland Government, streamlining the coordinated approval pathway and confirming the project's significance to the state's agricultural and economic development.
Initial feasibility work to determine the project's technical and commercial viability. This included site investigations, resource assessments (water, soil, climate), preliminary design, and financial modelling to establish the business case.
Environmental and planning approvals required to progress the project. Included environmental impact assessment, land-use and planning applications, and consultation with regulatory authorities and local and Indigenous stakeholders.
Detailed design and engineering of the facility and its supporting infrastructure. This stage develops the layouts, systems, and services that will define how the site is built and operated.
Final development and construction approvals. Confirms detailed designs comply with regulatory conditions and that all consents are obtained prior to commencement of works.
Construction of the facility and supporting infrastructure in line with the approved designs. Local suppliers, contractors, and workforce engaged where practicable.
Testing and commissioning of installed systems, recruitment and training of staff, and establishment of operating procedures ahead of operations. Full operation of the facility, with ongoing management, monitoring, and reporting.
Staged expansion of capacity, subject to performance and demand, building on the established infrastructure and operating systems.
148 East is in the process of forming a Project Control Group to provide strategic oversight throughout project development. The group will bring together experienced organisations and advisers across agriculture, engineering, commercial advisory, planning, infrastructure development and project delivery, ensuring the Iona Project is supported by the technical expertise, governance and commercial capability required to deliver a project of this scale.
Northern Australian Agrifoods Pty Ltd is the lead proponent for the Iona Downs project, responsible for delivering the facility from concept to operation. This includes leading design, coordinating approvals, managing construction, and overseeing transition into full operations.
The Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) is Australia’s largest integrated cattle producer, managing about 456,000 head across Queensland and the Northern Territory through feedlots and pastoral operations.
FTI Consulting is a global professional advisory firm with a specialist agribusiness practice. Its team combines on-farm experience with corporate finance expertise to help agricultural ventures become investment-ready.
CHRRUP is a not-for-profit backbone organisation supporting regional development in the Central Highlands. It coordinates social, economic and resource-use planning with local stakeholders.
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The Iona Project is being developed through a staged approach that balances technical planning, responsible environmental management and long-term regional outcomes. As project planning progresses, 148 East remains committed to understanding and managing potential impacts while creating opportunities for local employment, regional capability and sustainable economic growth.
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