At this year’s Hemp-Connect Forum, held at La Trobe University and hosted by the Australian Hemp Council, one presentation stood out for its bold regional vision and clear roadmap toward a more sustainable construction future. Leigh Fletcher, co-founder of Murray Industrial Hemp (MIH), delivered a pitch outlining plans to develop Australia’s first integrated hemp precinct. Right in the heart of the Murray River region at Barham NSW.
Turning a Regional Vision into a National Opportunity
Located near Barham on the NSW border, MIH’s vision is to transform the region into a hemp powerhouse, producing locally made hempcrete blocks, insulation, and prefabricated panels. The goal: to drive sustainable construction, create regional jobs, and build a resilient, farmer-led supply chain.
“Our precinct is tied to a land acquisition that empowers local farmers and positions our region as a hemp innovator,” said Fletcher. “We’re building a collaborative precinct that amplifies innovation and scale, connecting growers, startups, and investors to create real economic and environmental outcomes.”
Leigh Fletcher
Over the past four years, the MIH team has built strong foundations for this vision. Completing crop trials, feasibility studies, and a full business case. This year, they grew 355 tonnes of hemp on old rice country under lateral irrigation. Processing of that crop will begin soon in a repurposed timber mill in Barham, with plans to expand to 500 hectares under contract next season.
By August 2025, MIH expects to begin developing the hemp block plant, with locally made blocks rolling out within 24 months. Insulation production is expected to follow soon after.
Building Scale through Collaboration
Fletcher’s pitch underscored MIH’s collaborative, stepwise approach. To build market traction, the company is partnering with European manufacturers to import hempcrete blocks and insulation in the short term, helping to establish early market presence while preparing for domestic production.
This hybrid model reflects a key theme that resonated throughout the Hemp-Connect Forum: the value of collaboration across sectors and borders. As noted in the event wrap-up, importing from established hemp economies can accelerate local adoption and standards, providing the foundation for a robust Australian manufacturing base.
Rooted in the Region, Built for the Future
The Murray River region offers ideal conditions for large-scale hemp cultivation. Fertile soils, two major irrigation networks (Murray Irrigation and Goulburn-Murray Water), and central access to Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide.
With more than 80 potential growers and 100 interested investors already identified, MIH’s precinct is positioned to become a model for regional circular economies that lock in carbon while unlocking local opportunity.
Fletcher and his team, comprising experts in finance, horticulture, and community engagement, have also lodged major funding applications, including a $32 million Regional Precinct Partnership Program grant and a $4 million Sustainable Communities Program grant, alongside an active private equity negotiation expected to deliver capital in the coming weeks.
From Field to Future
If successful, the Barham precinct will become a cornerstone for Australia’s hemp construction industry, supporting the production of low-carbon materials like hempcrete blocks, insulation, and prefabricated panels, right where the hemp is grown.
As Fletcher summed up, “We’ve developed this from the ground up. What started as a vision shared among six locals four years ago is now becoming reality. Our goal is to see Barham thriving, jobs flourishing, growers prospering, and startups collaborating. That’s the sustainable future we’re building.”
Connecting the Dots
The Hemp-Connect Forum was all about these kinds of connections, between researchers, producers, designers, and investors, working toward shared sustainability goals. MIH’s presentation encapsulated the spirit of the event: that when we collaborate, we don’t just grow hemp; we grow an industry.
Disclaimer
HBD do not warrant the quality or experience of anyone listed on this directory.
We have relied on the information provided by the business and its representatives.
This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute building advice, or other professional advice.
This is an ad by Google
