Our 2025 Emerging Leader

The natural wonders of the Wet Tropics lured Michelle O’Loughlin to the region – and now she is helping to plan for its ‘nature-positive’ future.

The newly appointed Emerging Leader on Terrain NRM’s Board moved from Western Australia to the Wet Tropics more than a decade ago and since then she’s been working in local government in the fields of sustainability and climate resilience.

She sees the region, with its two world heritage areas and abundant renewable energy sources, as well-positioned to embrace green initiatives.

“It makes sense that residents, businesses and industry should be empowered to unlock opportunities which reduce emissions and build climate resilience so we can be an exemplar of a smart green economy.”

Our sixth Emerging Leader on the Terrain NRM Board

Michelle is the sixth Far Northerner to take advantage of Terrain NRM’s annual Emerging Leader mentoring program, designed to help future leaders on their career paths and to bring fresh perspectives to natural resource management leadership.

She says she is looking forward to strengthening relationships in the NRM sector, learning more about nature positive land use opportunities and gaining a better understanding of advocacy and collaboration for First Nations-led natural resource management.

“In my roles, I’ve always presented to Boards. I’ve never been on the other side so I’m looking forward to gaining that new perspective.”

Diversity the key to strong leadership

Terrain NRM Chair Barry Hunter says diversity is the key to strong leadership.