EMERALD Qld - THE CONVOY IS FORMED

 
The group is now complete with the arrival of Mel ( and Molly, the dog) who has at last caught up with us here in Emerald after a 4 day 1500 km drive from Canberra. We are staying together at the Botanical Gardens beside the Nogoa River before setting off on the next leg west to Winton via Jericho, Barcaldine and Longreach.
  Emerald can be described as a large town, at least for these parts of Qld, having a population of almost 13,000 (2011). This is our last chance to shop in the major chain stores until we reach Mt Isa, more than 800 km away, so all descended on Woolworths and Coles, the Camping and Auto stores and purchased fuel while the price was reasonable.
  The area, was first explored by Ludwig Leichardt and the town was established in 1879 as a base for the building of the western railway from Rockhampton. It is named after 'Emerald Downs Hill', a lush emerald green hill located just north of town. Emerald is now considered the hub for the Central Highlands and the gateway to the Sapphire: the largest, and one of the richest sapphire fields in the southern hemisphere. The construction of Fairbairn Dam in 1972 and the subsequent Emerald Irrigation Scheme allowed for the significant development and expansion of agriculture across the region. The dam construction, and its associated Lake Maraboon, also initiated large-scale coal mining and export within the Bowen Basin that commenced in 1977. Once famous for its reputation as a major sunflower producer, today, Cotton is grown in the area, and is processed at the Yamala Cotton Gin, while other agricultural activities include grape, citrus and grain growing.The citrus industry was severely affected by a citrus canker outbreak from 2004 until 2009. More than half a million citrus trees located around Emerald had to be destroyed. From what I saw I don't think that the orchards have recovered completely as yet.
  Back to tonight's Camp, the Botanical Gardens provide a pleasant oasis to prepare for the hot,dry and dusty trip that is before us.Sitting under the trees beside the river, I contently take delight in watching the bird-life in the cool afternoon breeze.
(Click on a photo to enlarge)

Emerald Botanical Gardens