Emerald, Queensland: Mining Jobs and Town Guide
Emerald is in the Central Highlands, Bowen Basin area of Queensland. The ABS 2021 Census counted 27,836 people for the Local Government Area (LGA). Every fact below links to the page it came from.
Last checked 10 October 2026. Operations, services and airlines change, so confirm with the operator, council or airport before you plan a move.
Key facts
- State
- Queensland
- Region
- Central Highlands, Bowen Basin
- Population
- 27,836 people, Local Government Area (LGA), median age 34ABS 2021 Census, geography: Central Highlands (Qld) (Central Highlands Regional Council area)
- Main commodity
- Coal
- Last checked
- 10 October 2026
Mining and industry around Emerald
The Central Highlands Development Corporation says the Central Highlands region, which includes Emerald, takes in a significant portion of the Bowen Basin and is home to eight metallurgical and four thermal mines. This is a region-wide statement, not an Emerald-only figure.
Source: Central Highlands Development Corporation, about the Central Highlands, checked 10 October 2026
Getting to Emerald
Emerald Airport
Central Highlands Regional Council owns and operates Emerald Airport, 6 km south of Emerald's town centre. It says the airport is serviced by Qantas and Virgin Australia for regular passenger flights.
Source: Central Highlands Regional Council, airports, checked 10 October 2026We list airlines as published by the airport or council. We do not list fares or flight times.
Mining jobs in Emerald
For other employers and the job boards that list FIFO roles, see FIFO jobs: where to apply.
These guides cover what sites ask for and what roles pay.
Emerald questions answered
How many people live in Emerald?
The ABS 2021 Census counted 27,836 people for Central Highlands (Qld) (Central Highlands Regional Council area), measured as a Local Government Area (LGA). The median age was 34. Other ABS geography types give different counts for the same place, so check the type before you compare towns.
What is mined or exported around Emerald?
Main commodity: coal (Central Highlands Development Corporation, about the Central Highlands). The Central Highlands Development Corporation says the Central Highlands region, which includes Emerald, takes in a significant portion of the Bowen Basin and is home to eight metallurgical and four thermal mines. This is a region-wide statement, not an Emerald-only figure.
Can you fly to Emerald?
Central Highlands Regional Council owns and operates Emerald Airport, 6 km south of Emerald's town centre. It says the airport is serviced by Qantas and Virgin Australia for regular passenger flights.
Which council covers Emerald?
Emerald is in Queensland. The council is Central Highlands Regional Council.