Tribute to retiring Vasse MLA Barry Blaikie

22/12/95

Premier Richard Court today said the decision by Vasse MLA Barry Blaikie not to contest the next State election was a great loss, not only to the Liberal Parliamentary Party, but also to the Vasse electorate.

The Premier said Mr Blaikie had served his local electorate well and was well-known for his strong drive in promoting and ensuring that the needs of the Margaret River, Dunsborough, Busselton and previous electorate areas Capel and Augusta communities was met.

"Barry Blaikie has made a strong and loyal contribution to the Liberal Party team over many years," he said.

"He has been the voice of reason and experience in the Liberal Parliamentary Party as is evident by his chairmanship of the Coalition Planning and Environment Committee.

"His love of the South-West and intimate knowledge of the region, its environment, industry and people makes him an ideal and effective member."

Mr Court said that in Mr Blaikie's 25 years as local member, he had campaigned for and received much for the Vasse electorate despite recent media comments that his voice was 'often ignored' - nothing could be further from the truth.

"Barry has played a critical role in many developments in the electorate over the years including the Margaret River Hospital, Busselton Hockey Stadium, Dunsborough Meelup Reserve, Margaret River Caves Interpretative Centre and the Margaret River High School among others.

"Of all the members I deal with, none has been more persistent in fighting for his electorate than Barry.

"He has also been a voice throughout the State with his stance on country school bus charges, ozone depleting substances and the abolition of drainage rates."

The Premier said that though it was a loss, he respected Mr Blaikie's decision not to contest.

"Though Barry will no longer be a Member of Parliament after the next State election, I am positive that he will continue to play an active role in the South-West community and continue to serve it well," he said.

"The Vasse electorate plays an important role in the State's economy, particularly in the booming tourism market, and the Coalition Government is committed to supporting the area in the future as it has done over the past three years."