Career
Starting from 1983, Roberts devotes most of his time to painting which was his hobby during the previous 18 farming years. His interest in the natural world explains the main focus of his paintings. He is also a book illustrator.
His drawings appeared in Eucalypts of Western Australia"s Wheatbelt by French Malcolm and Native Eucalypts of South Australia by Dean Nicolle.
A third generation Blyth dweller, Ian Roberts is active in a local farming community in Blyth (popular 306) located in the Clare Valley region, South Australia, situated 132 kilometres (82 mi) north of Adelaide. He was also the instigator of Blyth Cinema, a community based movie theater opened in May 2005 in a former Masonic Hall, and continues to be its manager.
The Blyth local and regional (community and private) solar photovoltaic power development was another of Roberts" projects, through his chairmanship of Blyth Development Board. This involved the installation of 2.7 kW of solar power on each of 7 community sporting club-rooms and over 60 private installations from 1KW to 3KW systems and took place in 2009.
Roberts was the prime mover behind the Brooks Lookout development, which was opened on 21 October 2001.
This Lookout has sweeping views to 100 km across the Blyth plains and includes a reserve that protects valuable remnant native vegetation. Roberts was also involved in the establishment of the Padnaindi Reserve in Blyth. The original development took place in 1984.
Roberts designed the 16 panels for the laser cut fence surrounding the park which were installed in 2012.