Luke Hartsuyker to run for Coffs Harbour City Council in support of George Cecato

A former federal politician and some high profile Coffs Harbour businessmen have backed their runner in the upcoming Coffs council election.

George Cecato with Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh and Coramba Rd property owner Allison Lipman. Picture: Tim Jarrett

Former Federal Member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker has entered the election race for Coffs Harbour City Council.

He will support mayoral candidate, and current councillor, George Cecato.

The former Nationals MP admits it will come as a surprise to many.

“I’ve never lost my passion for Coffs Harbour,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

The manager of Opposition business Christopher Pyne (right) and Luke Hartsuyker react during House of Representatives question time at Parliament House in Canberra in 2012. (AAP Image/Lukas Coch).

“I’ve spent most of my adult life serving this city in one way or another, and serving our community in local government would give me another opportunity to make a contribution.”

He retired as Cowper MP in 2018 after almost 17 years in politics.

At the time he joked he may return to the family business of making clogs “as probably the only Federal MP who would know how”.

Retiring member for Cowper Luke Hartsuyker worked as a volunteer supporting candidate Pat Conaghan, who was later elected the new Nationals MP for Cowper. Picture: Frank Redward

His family owns the Clog Barn tourist attraction in Coffs Harbour.

Recently Mr Hartsuyker was hand-picked by the Morrison government to chair a regional telecommunications review.

The full group, known as Coffs Coast First, also includes local father Jesse Young, and Coffs Harbour businessman Paul-Thomas (PT) Clarke.

Mr Cecato has served on Coffs Harbour City Council for five years.

George Cecato (shown here with Sally Townley, Denise Knight and Michael Adendorff on the left) has consistently supported the contentious Cultural and Civic Space.

Earlier this year he cited personal reasons for not making his mind up about standing again.

“I am waiting for the outcome of a personal matter and I can honestly say – with my hand on my heart – it is not a political stalling tactic,” he said.

And on Thursday he revealed the decision to run for mayor at the postponed December elections came after much deliberation.

“Coffs Harbour has a bright future, and I have the vision and passion to lead our city as we grow and develop,” Mr Cecato said.

“I intend to run a positive campaign, focusing on policies that will support local businesses, address housing availability, improve critical infrastructure, and deliver the big projects our city needs as we grow.”

In 2018 Luke Hartsuyker announced the concept design for the Coffs bypass. There was a huge community backlash to the omission of tunnels in the design. He is pictured with Michael McCormack and Melinda Pavey.

Mr Young has extensive experience as a government policy adviser in the portfolios of communications, employment, education and sport.

He currently works in the residential building industry, while also serving as a volunteer in a faith-based youth program.

His family has connections to Coffs Harbour going back more than 100 years and he has four sons.

Mr Clarke is a well-known local business owner and entrepreneur.

He’s been involved in small business since his teenage years and is passionate about supporting the local small business community.

The Coffs Coast First team will launch their campaign at 11am on Thursday at the entry to the Coffs Jetty.