Building NRM Leadership Capacity in Queensland
Every NRM staff member in Queensland is supported through a tailored framework and learning initiatives.
Credit: FBA
Credit: Southern Gulf NRM
Why leadership matters in the NRM sector
Providing leadership in managing Queensland’s natural resources is one of the NRM sector’s most important responsibilities — and it’s a responsibility shared by staff at every level.
Effective leadership is vital to ensuring our natural resources are sustainably managed for future generations.
That’s why the sector has invested significantly in building leadership capacity for all staff, starting with the launch of the NRM Leadership Framework in early 2023.
The NRM Leadership Framework
The NRM Leadership Framework supports leadership development and career progression — helping to influence decisions and actions that shape natural resource management across Queensland.
Work began on the Framework at the end of 2021, when the CEOs of Queensland’s regional NRM organisations recognised the need to build leadership capacity — at all locations, at all levels, and at all times.
This shared commitment led to the formation of the NRMRQ Leadership Framework Working Group, bringing together representatives from the regions to co-design the Framework through extensive consultation with NRM staff.
Underpinned by a set of five leadership capabilities, the NRM Leadership Framework provides a consistent approach to how leadership is understood, supported, and developed across the sector. It also supports a number of leadership learning initiatives that regional NRM organisations and their staff can join.
Credit: Desert Channels Queensland
“The Framework provides structure to what leadership means for natural resource management. Our people lead every day, from the paddock to parliament, and this Framework will develop leaders at all levels to make the biggest impact where it matters most.”
Chris Norman, CEO NRM Regions Queensland
Queensland’s NRM Leadership Capabilities
The five NRM Leadership Capabilities (below) and their descriptors provide a common language to bring leadership development into everyday activities. They are also considered key success factors for delivering natural resource management across Queensland.
To support this, a set of Capability Cards has been developed to support discussions about how NRM practitioners demonstrate the capabilities in their roles — and how they can continue to grow as leaders.
Current leadership initiatives in Queensland’s NRM sector
Three state–wide initiatives support the NRM Leadership Framework.
Lunch & Lead
A monthly program of skill-building and knowledge-sharing Lunch & Lead webinars for Queensland’s NRM sector was launched in 2023.
Each session is hosted by a different regional NRM organisation and based on a technical topic or a project with statewide relevance.
National NRM Mentoring Program
A key initiative of the NRM Leadership Framework is our dedicated NRM mentoring program that provides development opportunities across Australia’s NRM sector. Read more in our mentoring program.
Communities of Practice Review
For almost two decades, Queensland’s regional NRM organisations have used Communities of Practice (CoPs) to connect, learn, and grow together. A review of the CoPs was implemented by the Leadership Framework Working Group to build on their success and identify improvements. Learn about our Communities of Practice.
Regional NRM organisations in Queensland
