THE politician who will soon represent Port Macquarie in Canberra has dismissed fears the Hastings town will be worse off in his electorate.
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Luke Hartsuyker's Cowper electorate will include Port Macquarie from February 25 following a boundary redistribution.
Mr Hartsuykler said on Thursday Port Macquarie has "relatively similar size and challenges" to Coffs Harbour.
He said he understood the concerns of Hastings residents.
"[The boundary redistribution] is not to be feared, but I very much understand the dislocation affect for many people," he said.
"People who are concerned about that are not fully appreciating how funding is allocated."
He said funding is allocated on merit.
"A major determinant of merit is growth in an area, and I see it as a positive [that Port Macquarie becomes part of Cowper].
"The momentum and growth of Port Macquarie mean it is deserving of Federal Government support."
Mr Hartsuyker would not be drawn on how the town would be better off with him than Lyne MP Dr David Gillespie.
"David has been a great advocate for the region," Mr Hartsuyker said.
"I don't believe there will be any disadvantage if I am elected to represent the people of Port Macquarie because I will be maintaining a significant presence to service the people of Port Macquarie."
That presence will include opening a second electorate office here to complement the existing office in Coffs Harbour.
Telling Port News readers what the issues are in their town would not be appropriate at this stage, Mr Hartsuyker said.
"The important thing is I would propose to come and speak to a range of people in Port Macquarie and engage their views.
"I will certainly be consulting in the lead up to the election."
He will be in Port Macquarie briefly today before returning next Friday for a lunch with Dr Gillespie hosted by the NSW Business Chamber at Spinnakers Restaurant.