Industrial Hemp Project

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About the Project


The potential of the hemp industry in Australia is positive and is experiencing strong growth. There are new technologies emerging which are seeing improved production and the development of value added products is also driving demand. 

​In order to determine the feasibility of Industrial Hemp to be considered a viable summer crop inclusion in the Western Murray region, we have engaged a number of partners and consultants in feasibility studies and trials across 2021-2023. An outline of the pre-feasibility study compiled by The Wedge Group can be viewed below.

WMLIG is exploring further funding options to continue its work on trialing industrial hemp as a viable potential summer rotational crop. Additional funding will be vital for WMLIG to have the capacity to conduct ongoing demonstrations of the crop, and to capture the data for its potential adoption by interested landholders in 2023 and beyond.

Project Update - February 2025


The WMLIG Hemp Project has made significant strides since its inception. A feasibility study was completed in 2023, involving a collaborative approach with local landholders.

The project focuses on a short value chain and building products, with the study concluding in February 2024, forming the anchor of the Investment Memorandum.
 
Currently, we have a contact list of over 200 potential growers and investors. Seed investment ranging from $500k to $1m is now open for local investors.

​We are also working on business structures, market development, and engagement, with Investment Round 1 targeting $25m for land purchase and the establishment of a hemp precinct focused on block manufacturing.
 
We have applied for government support through the Regional Precinct & Partnership Program and are awaiting assessment.

​Additionally, we have applied for $28.5m of which $18m will be to cover 100% of our infrastructure CAPEX. Industry Growth Program application to be finalised soon.

Our Vision

  • High-quality, competitively priced natural building materials.
  • Environmentally sustainable building materials that reduce energy costs and help build healthy homes – ‘a home that breathes’.
  • Offering farmers in our region an alternative crop, building business resilience.
  • Supporting our rural community as it adapts to an economy with less water and the removal of the local redgum industry.


Field Days Photographs

Recent Projects

October 8, 2026
 On the 24th of October 2020, Western Murray Land Improvement Group along with Barham Landcare, held a fun and interactive workshop involving local Primary School children at Federation Reserve in Barham NSW. Two primary school classes from Barham Public School attended the workshop that saw Kindergarten on their very first out of school excursion. They were buddied up with Grade 3/4 and accompanied by 6 teachers and assistants from the school- making the total number of attendees 47. The workshop was facilitated by Barham Landcare volunteer and group treasurer Christine Dartnell and Local Landcare Coordinator (hosted by WMLIG) Stacey Waylen.
October 8, 2026
A summary of the day.
By Donna Marateo • October 8, 2026
A summary of the day.
October 8, 2026
On the 31st of January 2020, over 120 local farmers and agricultural experts attended a Feedlot Information Day held in Wakool. The crowd was a diverse geographical mix, with attendees from Lalbert, Piangil, Moulamein, Barham, Deniliquin and Wakool. As following with the 'young farmer' focus of the event, the majority (42%) of attendees were under 35, while 28% were 35-45 and 37% were 45+. The day began with a workshop at the Wakool Club focused on livestock feedlot considerations. Presenter Geoff Duddy from Sheep Solutions discussed the pro's and con's of feedlotting versus containment feeding, the cost of feed and comparison of different systems. He emphasized the importance of feeding sheep protein to build muscle, wool and encourage growth. The group finished off with an understanding of how feedlots interacted with the whole farm system. Following this presentation, district vet Linda Searle (Murray Local Land Services), educated attendees on the range of livestock diseases or health complications associated with feedlot production systems.
October 2, 2026
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October 2, 2026
World Wetlands Day 2023
October 2, 2026
​Blackwater events cause mass fish deaths across the Murray-Darling Basin
By John Reynold Tubay • September 29, 2026
In March 2020, we organised and coordinated a tour for local producers of the Griffith, Whitton and Coleambally areas, in the north-western region of the Riverina region of New South Wales. ​ Whilst it was a challenge in COVID-regulation times, our organisers, Stacey and Amy, did a great job in selecting a line-up of some of the most impressive and inspiring businesses that have successfully innovated existing product or created new products utilising spare capacity. ​ Many of the businesses that the group visited looked at value-adding options, supply chain innovation, collaboration and diversification opportunities.
By John Reynold Tubay • September 29, 2026
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