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The region enjoys a warm dry climate famous for its National Parks and sapphire-producing fields. Fossickers from all over the planet flock to Emerald in the winter months to enjoy the beauty and attractions of the area.
The Emerald region has a uniquely diverse industry base, which gives the area a competitive and sustainable advantage over other rural communities. This diversity of economic activities and production in the Shire ensures its economic strength and ongoing expansion. Economic activity in the region includes; gem and coal mining, cattle production, a wide variety of agricultural industries like cotton, horticulture, aquaculture and tourism. Coal deposits in the Emerald mining district are extracted by a combination of underground and open cut technologies to produce around 68 million tonnes of coking and thermal coal each year for export. Emerald's total value of agriculture is more than $100 million, spanning about 1 million hectares. Citrus production in the region exceeds $10 million annually, while grape production in Emerald accounts for 4% of Australia's table grape industry.
Emerald has a warm, dry climate with two distinct seasons (the dry winter season and the wet summer season). Winter temperatures average from 8 -23 °C, while summer temperatures range from around 22 -39 °C. The Emerald Shire averages about 640ml of rainfall each year, falling mostly in the summer months.
Airlines and coach companies provide daily services from Emerald, while Queensland Rail's 'Spirit of the Outback' tourist train visits Emerald bi-weekly. Public transport in Emerald consists of a local taxi and limousine service.
There is an abundance of dining options set in lush garden settings, poolside, or air-conditioned comfort. Anything from scrumptious counter meals at the local country hotels to sensational smorgasbords and fine cuisine offered in the towns many restaurants. There is also a vast array of mouth-watering take away outlets available for the casual diner.
Good quality housing is available with a variety of options suited to most budgets and tastes.
Emerald has a wealth of entertainment options which are all part of the rural atmosphere that makes Emerald so unique. Emerald's twin cinema offers all the latest movies for the avid movie goer, while the abundant nightlife offered by the various local clubs inspires both the young and the young at heart. By the banks of the tranquil Nogoa River the Emerald Botanic Gardens offers a floral fantasyland of nature's diversity in the area. The gardens offer an impressive network of walking paths to encompass the many attractions and facilities, such as picnic and barbecue areas and playgrounds for children.
Emerald never lacks excitement or activity. It is a thriving sports town with an 18-hole golf course, bowling club, tennis courts, rugby league, state-of-the-art squash sporting complex and driving range. Lake Maraboon is a popular destination for those interested in water sports such as skiing and fishing for Emerald's famous Red Claw Crayfish. A new skate park, and the Shire's Aquatic Centre (complete with heated pool, hydrotherapy pool, children's and toddlers' pool) top off the superb facilities in the area.
Emerald's retail sector is the second largest employer in the shire, providing boutiques, speciality shops, jewellery, arts and crafts, gift shops, clothing and grocery outlets in the two major shopping centres. Shopping venues range from busy undercover plazas to relaxed cottage, craft and coffee shops, situated amongst landscaped gardens and bubbling water features. Treasure seekers can soak up the market atmosphere at any one of the regions local weekend markets in Emerald or nearby Rubyvale, Sapphire and Anakie.
The Fairbairn Dam was completed in 1972 for the irrigation of thousands of acres of fertile farmlands in the Emerald Shire. A reliable water supply heralded the development of a variety of irrigated crops and also opened the way for development of the coal mining industry. Situated 11km from Emerald, Fairbairn Dam now supplies 200 000 mega litres of water annually for irrigation, industrial and urban needs. 30,000 megalitres is allocated for the mining industry and urban use, while the remaining 170,000 is used for agricultural purposes. Future water development is planned for the junction of the Comet and Nogoa River with the construction of the Comgoa Weir, which is expected to release 12,000 megalitres per year.
To access more information on the Emerald region, visit the Central Highlands Regional Council Web Page at:
http://www.chrc.qld.gov.au/ or http://www.centralhighlandstourism.org.au/
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CQUniversity CRICOS Provider Codes: QLD-00219C; NSW-01315F; VIC-01624D
