Prescribed Central Highland Iona Project expected to create hundreds of QLD jobs

The proposed Central Highland Iona Project in Emerald, Queensland has been declared a ‘prescribed project’ by the State Government, ensuring a streamlined approvals process to fast track it towards construction. 

With the ‘prescribed project’ status the Coordinator-General is given the necessary powers to ensure the project goes through a timely approval process, working in partnership with the local government to progress the project. 

This development has the potential to boost beef processing in the state and drive economic growth in Queensland’s regions. 

“Queensland is Australia’s greatest cattle producer and the LNP is backing our graziers and beef industry by partnering with the private sector to further grow the industry. 

“The Iona Project has the potential to enhance Queensland’s beef processing capabilities while creating economic development opportunities across regional Queensland,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said. 

“This declaration highlights the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to supporting transformative projects in regional areas. 

“My office will work closely with the proponents and relevant agencies to ensure the project progresses efficiently and meets all necessary requirements,” Queensland Coordinator-General Gerard Coggan said. 

The project features a state-of-the-art beef processing facility powered by cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence to enhance innovation in the processing industry. 

In addition, the project is also proposed to include a feedlot, rendering plant, cogeneration and biogas facilities, bio-nutrient processing, and a water treatment plant. 

The Central Highland Iona Project is expected to create hundreds of jobs – including 188 during construction and 427 once operational – providing a significant boost to the local economy. This project also offers opportunities to advance feedlot research and development, which will create broader benefits for the State’s agricultural sector. 

This project aligns with the Queensland Government's commitment to advancing the future of agriculture, and equipping Queenslanders with the skills needed for the AgTech jobs of the future. 

“We are determined to increase the value of primary industries to $30 billion by 2030 and it’s the prioritisation and development of projects like this that will see us surpass this target and grow regional economies. 

“This is more evidence that confidence in agriculture and an appetite to invest in the sector has grown under an LNP Government that values and respects agriculture. 

“The proposal to use industry leading, state-of-the-art technology to overcome challenges the processing sector currently faces, is further evidence of the sectors capacity to embrace technology, adapt and grow,” Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said. 

“This project represents a significant opportunity to boost productivity and profitability across our beef supply chain while ensuring Queensland’s producers remain globally competitive. 

“By taking advantage of innovative technologies, the Iona Project could help future-proof Queensland’s beef industry and open the door to new markets and greater export opportunities. 

“Ensuring this capacity can be developed at Emerald will help deliver expanded processing numbers in Queensland instead of that being exported to southern states,” Assistant Minister for Primary Industry Development and Member for Gregory Sean Dillon said. 

“The benefit involved in a Project such as this far outweighs the risk, it future proofs our existing businesses and helps insure market access for the future. There are many hurdles to overcome, by collaborating with the Queensland State Government these hurdles can be mitigated while presenting to the wider community an example of optimism for a bright future no matter what the industry. Collaboration is not simple but highly productive with us all keeping the endgame in focus. 

“By integrating advanced technologies such as automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence, we are setting a new standard for innovation and efficiency in beef processing. 

“With sustainability at the core of this project, we are committed to minimising environmental impact through initiatives like cogeneration, biogas facilities, and advanced water treatment systems. 

“This project reflects our confidence in Queensland’s beef industry, and we are excited to work with the Queensland Government to deliver meaningful benefits to regional communities and position Queensland as a leader in sustainable agriculture,” Northern Australian Agrifoods Pty Ltd (NAA) Managing Director Martin Laffer said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Beef Central; Food & Beverage Industry News