Leadership Framework for Queensland’s NRM Sector
The NRM Leadership Framework is designed to strengthen leadership and career development across Queensland’s natural resource management sector — at all locations, at all levels, and at all times.
Credit: FBA
Launched in 2023, the NRM Leadership Framework sets out a clear structure for what leadership means in NRM. Developed by the sector’s Leadership Working Group, its five core NRM Leadership Capabilities provide a common language to bring leadership development into everyday activities and conversations.
Through tailored learning initiatives and resources, including our NRM Mentoring Program, the framework helps every NRM practitioner in Queensland grow their skills, confidence, and impact.
“Our people lead every day, from the paddock to parliament, and the NRM Leadership Framework will develop leaders at all levels to make the biggest impact where it matters most.” – Chris Norman, NRMRQ CEO
This webpage includes more information on the framework, its capabilities, and learning initiatives, along with a range of resources developed by the sector, for the sector.
Leadership capabilities and initiatives
The five NRM Leadership Capabilities — and their descriptors — are recognised as key success factors for delivering natural resource management across Queensland.
To embed these capabilities across the sector, a set of Capability Cards has been developed. These cards guide discussions on how NRM practitioners demonstrate these capabilities in their roles and how they can continue to grow as leaders.
Download the cards and speak with your manager to organise a time to meet and discuss.
Communities of Practice
Queensland’s NRM sector uses Communities of Practice (CoPs) to strengthen collaboration, build capability, support continuous improvement and deliver practical outcomes.
NRM Regions Queensland supports six CoPs and two Working Groups. Built around shared areas of expertise, these groups collectively consist of more than 150 members from the state’s regional NRM organisations. Members meet up to four times a year, primarily online, with one annual face-to-face gathering.
The Queensland NRM CEOs Group sponsors the CoPs and receives updates as part of its regular meetings. To register your interest in joining, please discuss with your supervisor and then contact the relevant CEO sponsor listed:
- State-wide GIS Managers | CEO Sponsor: Chris Norman (NRM Regions Qld)
- Environmental Stewardship & Natural Capital Markets | CEO Sponsor: Chris Norman (NRM Regions Qld)
- Communications | CEO Sponsor: Chris Norman (NRM Regions Qld)
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) | CEO Sponsor: Scott Crawford (NQ Dry Tropics)
- Indigenous Engagement | CEO Sponsor: Tom Espinoza (Burnett Mary Regional Group)
- Human Resources | CEO Sponsor: Julie McLellan (Healthy Land & Water)
- Business Managers Working Group | CEO Sponsors: Stewart Christie (Terrain NRM) and Katrina Dent (Reef Catchments)
NRM Regions Queensland also facilitates the NRM Leadership Framework Working Group, which aims to develop leadership capability and career pathways across the sector. Current members include Ali McNiven (Healthy Land & Water), Thijs Krugers (NQ Dry Tropics), Keira McGrath (Burnett Mary Regional Group), Morgan Thomas (Reef Catchments), Janelle Mohr (NRM Regions Qld) and Chris Norman (NRM Regions Qld).
Outcomes from a recent NRM Regions Queensland CoP review will be released in 2026. These recommended improvements aim to strengthen the CoPs through clearer roles and responsibilities, consistent meeting and reporting processes, stronger CEO oversight and improved collaboration. Key actions include standard onboarding, annual planning and reviews, coordinator support, training and development, and stronger governance arrangements.
The National NRM Mentoring Program
A key initiative of the NRM Leadership Framework, Queensland’s first dedicated NRM mentoring program was launched in 2024.
The program offers mentorship opportunities across regional NRM organisations, as a mentor or mentee, supporting career and leadership development. In its first two years, the program attracted participation from more than 20% of the sector’s state-wide workforce.
Following this success, and in partnership with NRM Regions Australia, a National NRM Mentoring Program trial is underway in 2026 with 71 mentor–mentee pairings from 35 of the country’s 54 regional NRM organisations.
Lunch & Lead
Lunch & Lead is a monthly webinar series designed to build skills and share knowledge across Queensland’s NRM sector.
Hosted by different regional NRM organisations, each session explores a technical topic or project with statewide relevance. Browse the archive of previous Lunch & Lead recordings below.
View the full one-hour recording here.
Regional NRM organisations in Queensland
