“Ian was a natural choice as our representative” said Co-Convenor of the Three River’s Greens, Paula Costanzo.

“With degrees in agricultural science and development economics, he has work experience in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, USA and Vietnam. More recently he established short course programs in rural development, forestry and rural health management at The University of New England for clients from developing countries, including Asia-Pacific, Africa and South America.

“His interest in the developing world has continued with his Burma-born wife, Tin Hta Nu, and their completion of a school in rural Burma. Ian and Tin initiated the project and raised over $40,000 with the Kendall community. They have just returned from Burma where they inspected the school and identified additional needs such as scholarships for medical students in the same region.

“His skills complement the demographic area of Lyne,” said Ms Costanzo.

“We are very excited to have someone of Ian’s expertise in both his qualifications, and his current work as a farmer at Kendall. He is also active in the local community, as the Secretary of the Queens Lake Sailing Club and a Foundation committee member of Climate Change Australia Hastings Branch.”

Mr Oxenford is a supporter of public education, greater access to public transport for passenger travel, and believes the rail network should be upgraded as a matter of priority to transport freight which is more energy efficient and less costly to the taxpayer’s purse in terms of road accidents and maintenance.

He is a member of the 2030 Community Advisory Panel for Port Macquarie Hastings Council and will be promoting these themes along with transition town approaches, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, local food production and other sustainable sources of local employment.