Shire President Cr. Bev Clarke has totally rejected Troy Buswell's comments that Council has been "dudded" claiming he has offered nothing towards a constructive way forward and as a result the community is the loser.    

"I am unsure how Mr Buswell can comment on the State Government's offer when he has not taken up numerous invitations for a briefing from the State." Cr Clarke said.

"For the rebuilding of the Shire's major tourism and community icon, you would have thought the local member would be providing practical assistance to the Shire, however this has not been forthcoming." Cr Clarke said.

The Shire claims Mr Buswell has simply stood on the sidelines and thrown stones and unfortunately this has attracted some media coverage.

"Mr Buswell has not helped the Shire negotiate with the State Government, nor has he done anything to assist in securing Federal Liberal Government funding beyond organising one meeting with Minister Julie Bishop when she was in town at the Shire's request." Cr Clarke said.

"We need to ask how effective a local member is going to be who simply breezes into town, issues popular comments to the media then goes back to Perth." Cr Clarke said.

"I hope the community will look beyond Mr Buswell's claims and his related media coverage to comprehend the State Government's offer for themselves.  Most rational people understand it is critical for the State to be involved and a successful project will see vibrant foreshore, a CBD link, a revenue flow underpinning the new Jetty's significant maintenance requirements and a tourism icon sustained forever." Cr Clarke said.

When Mr Buswell was Shire President he supported development on the foreshore and improving the links to the CBD, however this seems to have been forgotten and the State's critical role misunderstood. 

The idea the Shire has written a blank cheque for the Jetty was refuted by CEO Andrew Macnish.  "The Shire Council will decide when it accepts the tender for the construction what the cost of the rebuild will be.  The matter before Council at present is about finalising the $6 million contribution from the State together with the annual revenue flows to help pay for the maintenance." CEO Andrew Macnish said. 

The Shire hopes Mr Buswell would receive a briefing on the project prior to making further uninformed comment.

ENDS.

Media enquiries can be directed to the Shire's Public Relations Officer, Julie Rawlings on 97810446 or julie.rawlings@busselton.wa.gov.au