Ian has been actively involved in agriculture, natural resource management, policy formulation, project development, management and community development over the past 30 years. He has represented community groups at state and national government policy level, as well as being a representative of national and state committees and boards. This has enabled Ian to present informed advice on issues affecting community groups and government, as well as allowing him to have significant input into the development of appropriate courses of action, evaluation and implementation of programs and policy across a range of jurisdictions. At local and regional levels Ian has been responsible for and involved with the development, implementation and monitoring of priority research projects, practical application projects and pilot projects that have secured government and private industry funding for their development and execution.