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Our Sustainability Approach

The Iona Project has been designed around a commitment to permanence, responsible resource management and long-term value creation. By integrating agriculture, beef processing, renewable energy and resource recovery, the project seeks to create a more connected and resilient system: one that supports regional communities, strengthens food production and respects the natural systems that support us. Sustainability is not an additional element of the Iona Project. It has guided the design, planning and delivery approach from the beginning.

Our sustainability commitment

Producing food will always require land, water and energy. The challenge is finding smarter ways to use these resources while supporting regional employment, food production and environmental outcomes. The Iona Project has been designed to bring cattle production, processing and resource recovery together within one integrated system.

By connecting these elements, the project creates opportunities to reduce waste, recover valuable resources and improve efficiency across the entire operation. 148 East recognises that economic, environmental, social and governance outcomes are interconnected. By balancing these areas, the project aims to support long-term growth, resilience and positive outcomes for the community and environment.

Aerial view of the Iona Downs site in Central Queensland
Cattle drinking at a water point in Central Queensland

Sustainability Pillars

The Iona Project has been designed to support long-term economic resilience through innovation, integration and efficient resource utilisation. By creating new infrastructure, employment opportunities and regional capability, the project aims to deliver lasting value for Central Queensland.

Aerial view of the Iona Downs site in Central Queensland

Environmental sustainability is embedded in the design of the Iona Project. Through circular resource recovery, renewable energy, responsible water management and regenerative practices, the project aims to improve resource efficiency, reduce impacts and support resilient natural systems.

Mustering cattle by motorbike on a Queensland cattle station

The Iona Project recognises that people and communities are central to long-term success. Through collaboration, stakeholder engagement and partnerships with communities, Traditional Owners, industry and government, the project aims to support participation, wellbeing and shared outcomes.

Strong governance is fundamental to the success of the Iona Project. Through transparent leadership, accountable decision-making and meaningful stakeholder engagement, 148 East aims to build trusted partnerships, operate with integrity and create long-term value for the communities and industries connected to the project.

Sustainability outcomes

Stronger regional economies

The Iona Project will create long-term employment, investment and economic opportunities across Central Queensland, supporting a more resilient regional economy and strengthening local capability.

A more sustainable beef industry

By integrating production, processing, resource recovery and advanced technology, the project aims to improve efficiency, reduce transport impacts, support animal welfare and create greater value within the Australian beef industry.

Reduced environmental impact

Through circular resource recovery, renewable energy, reduced transport requirements and improved resource efficiency, the project aims to reduce emissions and minimise waste pathways.

Aerial view of a cattle feedlot

Regenerative natural systems

Through regenerative agriculture, biodiversity management and responsible stewardship of land and water, the project aims to support healthier ecosystems and long-term landscape resilience.

Sustainability in action

The Iona Project’s sustainability outcomes are achieved through connected systems working together. Explore how circular recovery, renewable energy, water stewardship and regenerative practices are integrated into the project design.

Latest 148 East updates

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Milestones
6 May 2026

Iona Project enters formal development application process following prescribed project declaration

The Iona Project has entered the formal development application process, marking a major milestone as the project moves from planning and design towards construction and delivery.

Community
24 July 2025

What Iona means for Central, Western, and Northern Queensland

Beyond beef, the Iona Project is about regional jobs and economic diversification for a Central Highlands community that leans heavily on coal mining.

Project
21 July 2025

Technology-led design sets a new benchmark for beef processing

The Iona Project is being designed around automation, artificial intelligence and integrated sustainability systems to create a next-generation beef processing precinct.

Project
17 July 2025

Iona Project declared a prescribed project by the Queensland Government

The Queensland Government has declared the Iona beef processing project near Emerald a "prescribed project," fast-tracking approvals for a facility that could process up to 200,000 head of cattle a year.

Milestones
2 February 2023

Groundwater validation confirms a secure water supply for the Iona Project

Groundwater investigations confirmed a secure and sustainable water supply, providing a critical foundation for the long-term operation of the Iona Project.

Milestones
6 June 2022

Specialist design team appointed to shape the Iona Project

148 East appointed specialist advisors to begin the planning and design of the integrated Iona Project, translating the project's vision into a buildable development.

Milestones
2 February 2022

Site selection establishes the foundation for the Iona Project

148 East secured the Iona Downs site in February 2022 following a detailed assessment of location, infrastructure and long-term suitability for an integrated processing precinct.

Milestones
1 November 2021

148 East established by four Central Queensland cattle families

Four founding families formed 148 East to drive the abattoir investment, committing significant seed funding to get the project underway.

Milestones
1 November 2018

Community forum held to explore regional processing opportunity

A community forum hosted by the Central Highlands Regional Council brought local interest together, and a steering committee was formed to explore investment in a regional abattoir.