Built on the Nagoa River in a region known as the Central Highlands, Emerald is home to some 17,000 residents. Many of these have arrived in the area in recent years due to rapid growth in the agriculture (cotton) and mining (coal) industries.
Emeralds other claim is that it is the largest commercial sapphire producer in the southern hemisphere. The Rubyvale/Sapphire Miner’s Common covers 11,000 acres. Four large stones were once exported to America and the jewelry given to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D Eisenhower and Thomas Jefferson.
Each year in April the Emerald Multicultural Festival, celebrating cultural diversity, is held. More information on the event can be found on the councils website.
