Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey has announced he will not be contesting the next federal election

Despite still having an “unwavering enthusiasm for the job”, the member for the electorate that covers more than 90 per cent of SA is calling it quits.

Long-serving Liberal member for Grey Rowan Ramsey has announced he will not be contesting the next federal election, highlighting road improvements as one of his proudest achievements in the role.

Mr Ramsey, 67, said the decision has not been an easy one because he still has “unwavering enthusiasm for the job”

Rowan Ramsey MP Federal Member for Grey.has called it quits. Picture: DYLAN COKER

“However, like many, I am aware my ‘piece of string’ has a definite if undetermined length and consequently, with my wife Teresa, who has been such an important support, we have decided it is time to tackle the next chapter of our lives,” he said.

Grey – Australia’s third-largest electorate – covers more than 90 per cent of South Australia, including Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Port Augusta and Port Pirie.

Mr Ramsey, who has served as MP in the seat since 2007, said he was particularly proud of the “unprecedented investment” he secured for his electorate’s road network.

“The works include the Pt Wakefield overpass, second bridge at Pt Augusta, dual lanes for the Augusta Highway, huge improvements to multiple highways including the Horrocks, Barrier, Eyre, Tod, Birdseye and Lincoln,” he said.

Liberal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey is “moving onto the next chapter of his life”. Picture: Mick Tsikas

“The sealing of the Strzelecki Track when completed will be a game changer and a very solid increase in support for councils has been important and overdue.”

Other highlights for Mr Ramsey included securing support to renew the Dog Fence, and his contributions to the implementation of Country of Origin on food labelling.

His retirement is expected to trigger a hotly-contested preselection battle to determine his successor in the safe seat, which the Liberals held on a margin of more than 10 per cent at the 2022 federal election.

“Ensuring the diversity, obstacles and opportunities of a vast seat like Grey are taken to the federal parliament is a challenge of the first order,” Mr Ramsey said.

He thanked the Liberal Party, his electors and his staff for their work.