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.
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 70 mentor–mentee pairings from 35 of the country’s 54 regional NRM organisations.
Communities of Practice review
For two decades years, Queensland’s NRM sector has used Communities of Practice (CoPs) to strengthen collaboration and professional development.
A new Communities of Practice Blueprint will be launched in 2025–26 to guide and support the evolution of the CoPs — capturing efficiencies where they exist and driving increased effectiveness.
The review aimed to identify best practice ways of working, build the capabilities of CoP members and establish clear success indicators.
The process began with a diagnostic health check, which included one-on-one interviews and a survey of more than 120 CoP members. Survey feedback informed a set of recommended improvements, which were then discussed with CoP members and CEOs in workshops and used to finalise the Blueprint.
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
