“A BIG loss to the South West” is just one way to describe Vasse MLA Troy Buswell’s resignation.
Mr Buswell resigned on Tuesday saying his medical condition and public life were incompatible.
He had a tumultuous career in state politics which saw him become the opposition leader, transport minister and treasurer.
Since then tributes have been flowing to the Busselton Dunsborough Mail in recognition for his work in the area as well as the state.
City of Busselton mayor Ian Stubbs said Mr Buswell was a “wonderful advocate” for the electorate.
“As a community we owe him a great deal,” he said.
“His commitment and passion for his electorate was always rock solid and for this he’s widely respected - I wish him all the best for his future.”
Former Mail editor and now City of Busselton councillor Rob Bennett said he was a great worker for the community.
“A lot of the development that has taken place and is taking place can be attributed to his efforts in getting funding for them,” he said.
Cr Bennett’s favourite story he reported on with Mr Buswell was the fight to have the Busselton Jetty repaired at no expense to ratepayers.
Busselton resident Byron Bateson said on the Mail’s Facebook page that Mr Buswell left big shoes to fill for the next member for Vasse.
Bunbury resident Monique Warnock said the impact of Mr Buswell’s resignation Buswell extended further than his electorate.
“I had the privilege to be in the meeting when Troy believed in Bunbury and committed to setting up a state government steering group to take forward marine facilities for the city,” she said.
“He was incredibly enthusiastic and supportive about our concept, bought into our vision and made this happen by putting all the right people and senior government officials on the group.”
Liberal Party state president Norman Moore said he was saddened to hear the news of Mr Buswell’s resignation.
“Troy has been an exceptional local member for the Vasse electorate since being elected in 2005,” he said.
“Troy’s local knowledge and dedication to his community really drove the way he fought for his electorate and that is one of the things that made him such an exceptional local Member of Parliament.
“Troy will leave big shoes to fill, but I am confident the Liberal Party will select an exceptional local candidate, with strong local credentials, to carry on the good work for the community.”
The Liberal Party state council will hold a meeting in the coming days to officially open applications for Liberal Party candidate.
