BUSSELTON’S first mayor Ian Stubbs retires from duty this week after eight years at the helm.
In 2007, Mayor Stubbs was nominated onto the Busselton Shire Council and voted shire president in 2009 and again in 2011.
He became the city’s first mayor in 2012 when the shire became the City of Busselton which Mayor Stubbs said was a significant event during his time on council.
“I was the last shire president and the city’s first mayor,” he said.
Reflecting on his time he said one of his biggest achievements was changing the governance structure of the council so councillors could be more involved in decision making.
“These changes brought about a very cohesive council and one which I believe over the years has been very transparent and consultative although some people disagree with that,” he said.
“I believe over the years this has been very effective, going back six years this council was a mess which is why I stood.”
One of the most enjoyable duties for Mayor Stubbs was presenting Australian citizenships to hundreds of people over the years.
“I have really enjoyed meeting the new citizens, they were great events,” he said.
The projects he found most satisfying were restoring the jetty and redeveloping the Dunsborough and Busselton foreshores.
“We have provided a climate out there where people are keen to invest in the city,” he said.
“We have two major retail developments planned for Busselton and one for Vasse which is really great for people.”
Looking at the future Mayor Stubbs said he hoped the city finds the money to complete the Busselton foreshore and would like to see a resort built on the north side of Marine Terrace overlooking the foreshore.
Most of all Mayor Stubbs said he was looking forward to his retirement and that one of the first things he would do is get rid of the cobwebs on his boat.
“Now that I have made the decision to retire I am really looking forward to it,” he said.
See tributes for Mayor Stubbs from community members he has worked with over the years here .
