I've been living in the Maleny district since the early nineties, and really appreciate the bounteous natural resources and gorgeous environment, as well as such a diverse, intelligent and pro-active community.

My professional background is in geology and natural resource management. In recent years I have been very active in farm forestry, which I see as being an incredibly valuable land use, especially as peak oil makes low-C products such as timber more valuable. I run a consultancy called Forest First.

Have been interested in politics and environmentalism for many years. Helped initiate the WA Green Party in 1987, and was on the National Council of the Australian Conservation Foundation for a couple of years. Have also served on the committees of various conservation and landcare groups. Am one of the directors of the Genesis Foundation, responsible for stewardship of a 34ha rural property near Conondale.

I see peak oil and climate change as being the major drivers of a fundamental shift away from the capitalistic, growth-obsessed political economy that has dominated our lives for the last centuary or more. Relocalisation of economies, major cuts in per capita energy and resource consumption and renewed commitment to global justice and equity are the foundations of an alternative society.

I disagree with the Christians who believe that God will create a new heaven and a new earth. This planet, Gaia, IS the Garden of Eden. We just have to change our mindspace to realise it.