Mr Hartsuyker said he was grateful for the opportunity to serve the community.

“I want to thank the people of Cowper for supporting me for 16 years,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“It is a great honour to be a Member of the House of Representatives and to be the representative for the people of Cowper for such a long time has been a great experience.

In his maiden speech in 2002, Mr Hartsuyker said that the electorate of Cowper typified all that was great about Australia.

“(Former Member) Garry Nehl always said that he was the `Member for Paradise', and I am more than happy to carry that mantle,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

During his maiden speech, Mr Hartsuyker said his priorities for Cowper were to encourage strong economic growth through a commitment to regional development, to maintain delivery of improved infrastructure for this growing region through continued funding of the Pacific Highway, and the upgrading of telecommunications services.

“I am proud to still be delivering on these priorities 16 years later,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“The Coalition Government is investing heavily in the Mid North Coast through projects like the $5.6 billion upgrade to the Pacific Highway and the National Broadband Network, which has a 75 per cent roll-out across the Mid North Coast.

“We are also investing in other infrastructure to ensure the Mid North Coast remains attractive to tourists and locals alike, with the $13.44 million Coffs International Stadium, the $7.5 million upgrade to the Port Macquarie Airport and a $12 million commitment to the construction of an Allied Health and Sports medicine training facility at Southern Cross University.

“In coming weeks, the upgrade of the Pacific Highway between Port Macquarie and Kundabung will open with the completion of the Hastings River Bridge.”

Mr Hartsuyker was elected on November 10 2001 when former Member for Cowper Garry Nehl retired after 17 years in the Federal Parliament.