Dr Buckman is running as a candidate on the Greens ticket at the upcoming Queanbeyan-Palerang election.

After being introduced to environmental causes when he was part of the historic Franklin Dam protests in Tasmania, Dr Buckman became heavily involved with the Greens.

He served as the party’s national treasurer and as an advisor to senior Greens politicians. He completed a PhD in renewable energy at the ANU and is now a government advisor on renewable energy development.

Closer to home he has been involved in the Queanbeyan Sustainability Group and Landcare and wants to use those experiences to shape how the council deals with environmental issues.

“Queanbeyan has stunning, undeveloped natural areas that it should preserve,” Dr Buckman said.

“Queanbeyan is a unique city and its council should do more to preserve its unique character.”

Like the lead Greens candidates Peter Marshall and Katrina Willis, Dr Buckman has been outspoken against the Ellerton Drive Extension and he said should he be elected continuing to fight its progress would be key for him.

Introducing greater public transport options would be another key issue for Dr Buckman.

All of these matters fall in line with Dr Buckman’s broader view to improve planning and policy to prioritise Queanbeyan-Palerang’s duties to the environment and sustainable living.

“Queanbeyan needs better and more ambitious greenhouse gas emission monitoring and reduction,” Dr Buckman said.

“For too long, Queanbeyan has been plagued by poor planning and a modest commitment to sustainability.”