Division of Longman (Australian federal electoral division)
An Australian federal electoral division in Queensland covering parts of the Moreton Bay Region, named for Irene Longman, notable for its coastal and suburban mix and often considered a marginal seat.
Overview
The Division of Longman is a federal electoral district represented in the Australian House of Representatives. Located in the state of Queensland, it encompasses a mixture of coastal towns, residential suburbs and inland rural areas in the Moreton Bay Region. Established during a redistribution process in the 1990s, the division takes its name from Irene Longman, the first woman elected to the Parliament of Queensland and one of the earliest female parliamentarians in Australia.
Image gallery
6 ImagesGeography and communities
Longman stretches across coastal and hinterland areas north of Brisbane, incorporating shoreline communities, commuter suburbs and smaller country towns. Key population centres and localities commonly associated with the division include:
- Beachmere
- Bribie Island
- Burpengary
- Dakabin
- Donnybrook
- Kallangur
- Ningi
- Toorbul
- Caboolture
- Morayfield
- Wamuran
- Woodford
- Narangba
Characteristics and local economy
The electorate features a diverse mix of land use: coastal tourism and recreation on Bribie Island and nearby beaches; residential suburbs that serve as commuter belts into the Brisbane metropolitan area; and peri-urban or semi-rural zones where light agriculture, hobby farms and emerging residential developments coexist. Transport corridors and growing population settlements have been important factors shaping local services, housing and infrastructure planning.
History, name and evolution
Named for Irene Longman in recognition of her pioneering role in Queensland politics, the division reflects a broader practice of commemorating notable Australians through electoral names. Boundaries of Longman have been altered through periodic redistributions administered by the Australian Electoral Commission to reflect population change; these adjustments affect which towns and suburbs fall inside the division from one redistribution to the next.
Political profile and significance
Longman has been regarded as electorally significant because demographic shifts and a mix of suburban and regional interests make it competitive in federal contests. It is often targeted by major political parties during campaigns, and issues such as local infrastructure, transport, coastal management and regional services commonly shape the political debate. Because boundaries can change, the electorate's political balance has varied over time.
Administration and further information
Electoral enrolment, voting places and official boundary maps for the Division of Longman are maintained by the Australian Electoral Commission. For current, authoritative information about the division, including maps and recent redistribution determinations, consult the AEC resources: Australian Electoral Commission — Division of Longman. For historical or biographical details about the namesake, Irene Longman, local historical societies and state parliamentary records provide further context.
Because the division includes rapidly changing suburbs and coastal communities, its character continues to evolve with development, transport improvements and population growth. Readers seeking the most up-to-date details should refer to official publications and recent electoral maps.
Questions and answers
Q: What is the Division of Longman?
A: The Division of Longman is an Australian Electoral Division in Queensland.
Q: When was the Division of Longman established?
A: The Division of Longman was set up in 1994.
Q: Who is Irene Longman?
A: Irene Longman was the first female member of the Parliament of Queensland and the third woman elected to a parliament in Australia.
Q: Why is the Division of Longman named after Irene Longman?
A: The Division of Longman is named after Irene Longman in recognition of her contribution to Australian politics as the first female member of the Parliament of Queensland.
Q: What areas does the Division of Longman cover?
A: The Division of Longman covers much of the Moreton Bay Region, including Beachmere, Bribie Island, Burpengary, Dakabin, Donnybrook, Kallangur, Ningi, Toorbul, Caboolture, Morayfield, Wamuran Woodford and Narangba.
Q: Is the Division of Longman located in Queensland?
A: Yes, the Division of Longman is located in Queensland.
Q: What is the significance of the Division of Longman?
A: The Division of Longman is significant as it recognizes the contribution of the first female member of the Parliament of Queensland and the third woman elected to a parliament in Australia. Additionally, it serves as an electoral division in Queensland, covering many areas within the Moreton Bay Region.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Division of Longman (Australian federal electoral division) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/27919
Sources
- aec.gov.au : "Profile of the electoral division of Longman (Qld)"