Emerald (Queensland)

Emerald is a town in Queensland, Australia. Emerald is located about 900 kilometers northwest of the capital, Brisbane, 270 kilometers west of Rockhampton and about 410 kilometers east of Longreach. Emerald is located in the municipality of Central Highlands Regional Council of Queensland on NogoA River and only a few kilometers south of the Tropic of Capricorn. The city lies at the intersection of Highway and Capricorn Highway Gregory.

Economy

Emerald is a major center and supply point for many economic activities in the region. In the area of coal is mined in large open pit mines, which is brought by rail to the port of Rockhampton and shipped from there. To the west lie the Gemfields are in which mined in large scale sapphires. The sapphire deposits here are the largest in the southern hemisphere.

To the south is the Maraboon reservoir. This is an area of ​​up to 150 square kilometers is one of the largest artificial lakes in Australia. The water supply from the reservoir Maraboon enabled the farmers in the area to establish a high-yield cotton industry. In addition, grapes, citrus fruits and cereals are still grown on a large scale. The Maraboon Reservoir is also a recreation center for the residents of Emerald and the surrounding villages with very good opportunities for all kinds of water sports.

Emerald experienced in recent years a strong increase in population, which has reached nearly 17,000. This is mainly due to the booming mining industry and its suppliers and service industries, but also on the upswing in agriculture and the associated staffing requirements.

Sons and daughters of the town

• Mitchell Langerak - Australian football goalkeeper