Emerald

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Emerald is a town and locality in the Central Highlands Region, Queensland, Australia. Situated on the Nogoa River, Emerald lies approximately 270 kilometres west of Rockhampton and serves as major service centre for the region's extensive agricultural and mining industries. Emerald's climate is classified as subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters. The town is the headquarters for the Central Highlands Regional Council. In the 2021 census, the locality of Emerald had a population of 14,904. Emerald was founded as the terminus of the Central Western railway line in 1879, however this lasted only a year before subsequent lines were built to Springsure and Clermont leading to Emerald becoming a transport hub. The town's development accelerated in the 1980s onwards, primarily due to its proximity to the Bowen Basin coalfields, leading to rapid population growth and urban expansion. Emerald's economy is diverse, encompassing agriculture, mining, and renewable energy. The Central Highlands is known for its fertile soils; its agricultural products include cotton, grain, citrus, grape, and sunflower cultivation. Emerald is also an important freight and logistics hub for Central Queensland, being the site of north Australia's first inland port. The town is served by the Emerald Airport. Located just south of Emerald, the Fairbairn Dam, creates Lake Maraboon, one of Australia's largest artificial lakes its capacity is approximately three times larger than Sydney Harbour. Spanning up to 150 square kilometres when full, the lake is a popular destination for water sports, fishing, and camping. Emerald is also a tourist destination to access the Carnarvon National Park and Carnarvon Gorge, one of Australia's most iconic wilderness landscapes.