About Murray Industrial Hemp
Murray Industrial Hemp began in 2020 when the Western Murray Land Improvement Group brought regional farmers together to explore new opportunities in agriculture.
What started as a regional initiative has grown into an organisation that works across farming, research, and industry to establish hemp as a foundation for sustainable products and resilient economies.
Our mission
Our mission is to connect agriculture, research, and industry so that hemp can be adopted at scale.
Our vision
Our vision is for regional Australia to lead the transition to nature-positive industries, with Barham positioned as a hub for hemp innovation.
As this hub develops, we work with partners and introduce technology where it quietly improves costly or inconvenient systems, strengthening supply chains and capturing the carbon benefits of hemp.
Who we serve
Murray Industrial Hemp is for those looking for what comes next.
→ For infrastructure developers seeking sustainable inputs that can be scaled.
→ For farmers introducing healthier agronomy into their rotations.
→ For builders aligning with new sustainability policies and standards.
→ For researchers and innovators exploring new materials and applications.
What we do
Our work includes growing, testing, and supplying hemp as an input for:
→ Construction: renewable materials that replace conventional blocks, insulation, and panels.
→ Textiles and Composites: strong natural fibres suitable for advanced manufacturing.
→ Agriculture and Horticulture: a summer crop, benefits for soil health and low water requirements.
→ Regional Economies: opportunities that create new skills and keep value in local communities.
Murray Industrial Hemp Directors
Leigh Fletcher
Leigh has over 30 years’ experience in agriculture, manufacturing, stakeholder management and project management.
His career has centred on water management, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of irrigation infrastructure, community consultation and contract management.
Leigh has spent the past six years developing expertise in the hemp industry, including growing hemp crops and completing a hemp building course. He has been instrumental in forging industry connections and partnerships to advance the hemp industry.
Leigh holds a Diploma of Project Management and has completed the AICD Directorship for Cooperatives and Mutual Enterprises (CMEs).
He also serves as a director of Murray Plains Meat Cooperative.
Bryan Goble
Bryan has a diverse skillset and experience in agriculture, the building industry, community development and law enforcement.
After spending 12 years as a NT police officer, he moved into agriculture, converting a Koondrook dairy farm into a thriving walnut business. During this time, he served on the Australian Nut Industry Association (including four years as president) and the Australian Nut Industry Council.
For the past 20 years he has run a large-scale plumbing business, while playing vital roles in the local community, including as Koondrook Development president and a Rotarian.
Bryan has a Diploma of Horticulture (Production).
Felicia Chalmers
Felicia has a professional background in journalism, editing, local government, corporate communications and grant writing.
She is also a strong community advocate, having held a multitude of volunteer roles in sport, art, education and service clubs.
She now owns and runs a large mixed farming business in southern NSW and northern Victoria with her husband Michael, growing rice, winter cereals and dorper sheep in both irrigated and dryland farming systems.
Felicia has completed the AICD Foundations of Directorship certificate.