Named after Friedrich Leichhardt (1813–48), explorer and scientist.
Area and Location Description:
Leichhardt covers an area of approximately 148 988 sq km from the Torres Strait Islands in the north to Bentley Park in the south. The main towns include Aurukun, Bamaga, Cairns (part), Cooktown, Hope Vale, Kowanyama, Kuranda, Lockhart River, Mossman, Pormpuraaw, Port Douglas, Thursday Island and Weipa.
Products/industries of the area:
Sugar, tropical fruit, aquaculture, cattle, fishing, mining and tourism.
First proclaimed/election:
1949
Demographic rating:
Rural
Members:
Entsch, W (LNQ) 2010–
Turnour, J (ALP) 2007–2010
Entsch, W (LP) 1996–2007
Dodd, P G (ALP) 1993–1996
Gayler, J (ALP) 1983–1993
Thomson, D S (NCP/NP) 1975–1983
Fulton, W J (ALP) 1958–1975
Bruce, H A (ALP) 1951–1958
Gilmore, T V (CP) 1949–1951