Recent News

PRESS RELEASE by MURRAY INDUSTRIAL HEMP
June 12th, 2026

Murray Industrial Hemp (MIH) is thrilled with news the NSW Government has granted $10 million for a new hemp manufacturing business in Barham. 

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty today announced MIH as one of 14 successful projects under the NSW Sustainable Communities Program Economic Development and Infrastructure Round.   

The NSW Sustainable Communities Program is funded by the Australian Government and delivered by the NSW Government.

MIH will use the government funding, along with investments from local and national shareholders, to build industrial hemp processing and block manufacturing facilities in Barham.

MIH Executive Director Leigh Fletcher said it was wonderful news for the community.   

“The industrial hemp industry is really taking off across Australia. Builders and architects see the benefits of hemp – its thermal properties, fire resistance, its environmental sustainability, energy efficiencies,” he said.

“For our area, the opportunity is enormous. We’re aiming to create a new industry where the product is grown, processed and manufactured right here. 

“Irrigators can grow hemp – a different, water efficient crop – and our wider community will benefit from the jobs and economic input from a new manufacturing industry. 

“We are so pleased that the NSW Government has seen these opportunities and is willing to back our project.”

Mr Fletcher thanked seed investors and other local supporters for being part of the project.

“We couldn’t have come this far without our seed investors, including the many local families who have invested. We’ve also had great support from local and regional businesses as we have set up governance and business structures. And of course, our business was kickstarted by Western Murray Land Improvement Group, who remain a major shareholder today.”

MIH plans to redevelop land on Moulamein Road, once used as a redgum sawmill. The project will include the installation of hemp decortication equipment (to process baled hemp into hurd, fibre and fines) as well as a hemp brick manufacturing line.

Murray Industrial Hemp will now work with Murray River Council on planning requirements, 

MIH was formed in 2024, building on work that began in 2021 when the Western Murray Land Improvement Group sought to unite farmers to explore new industries. Since then, trial crops have been grown, business case completed, shareholders have invested and a company board established. 

To find out more contact Contact – Leigh Fletch­er leigh.fletcher@murrayindustrialhemp.com.au or 0429 144 743.