Welcome to the Australian Local Food System Policy Database. This is a collection of policies from New South Wales (NSW) and Victorian local governments that relate to healthy, sustainable, and equitable food systems.
For further information about using the database and how it was created see How to use the database. You can search the database by using the fields below. Domain refers to eight broad categories under which various topics are situated. The domains and topics are based on a framework of recommendations for local government action on creating a healthy, sustainable, and equitable food system (also located on the ‘How to use the database’ page linked above).
To cite the database: Reeve B, Carrad A, Rose N, Charlton K & Aguirre-Bielschowsky I (2021) Australian Local Food System Policy Database. Available at: https://law-food-systems.sydney.edu.au/policy-database (access date).
Suggested search terms
Hold Ctrl to select multiple terms. Using ‘any words’ functions as an “OR” search. Using ‘all words’ functions as and “AND” search.
Search Criteria:
| Document title | Relevant text in the policy | Domain | Topic | State | Local Government name | Council type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | A25: Advocate to the Victorian and Australian governments for funding to investigate ways to better use and deliver the under-utilised recycled water resource in order to provide water security to one of Melbournes’ closest and best-placed growing regions of fresh horticultural produce. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | A31: Advocate for the connection of the Cardinia Township to the proposed Clyde Sewage Treatment Plant. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Actions A24: Continue to work with Southern Rural Water and South East Water to investigate and implement alternative water sources to reduce the depletion of groundwater. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Advocate for the connection of the Cardinia Township to the proposed Clyde Sewage Treatment Plant. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Advocate to the Victorian and Australian governments for funding to investigate ways to better use and deliver the underutilised recycled water resource in order to provide water security to one of Melbourne’s’ closest and bestplaced growing regions of fresh horticultural produce. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | An ongoing metering program provides information on the location and volume of groundwater use in the area. This combined with the ongoing monitoring program will inform future management decisions. Groundwater is a significant source of water for the rural sector and numerous irrigation and stock groundwater licences have been issued in the Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge. Bore licences are issued by Southern Rural Water and are regulated under the Water Act 1989. The level of extraction from many sites has already exceeded recharge rate and drought has also prompted Southern Rural Water to restrict the number of new bores.30 | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | available for agriculture and horticulture production. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Balance of the precinct Beef and dairy farming occurs throughout the entire precinct, with a larger proportion occurring to the south, outside of the SUZ1 soils. The sandy soils around Lang Lang are ideal for carrot, celery and lettuce production; however, Class A recycled water needs to be secured before this type of produce can be grown and consideration also needs to be given to the existing and significant extractive industry in operation to the east of Lang Lang. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Cardinia and Casey councils propose to gain funding to conduct a feasibility study into transferring recycled water from the future Clyde and Pakenham sewerage treatment plants in an integrated and scalable approach to the reuse of Class A recycled water. If funded, the feasibility study would establish a commercially based, integrated water management for intensified horticultural use of non-potable water within and adjacent to what is Australia's second fastest growing area of urban expansion. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Cardinia, Casey and Mornington Peninsula councils are collaborating with Melbourne Water, Southern Rural Water and South East Water to build on this agricultural strength. They are investigating in the feasibility of an intensive agricultural precinct, the Bunyip Food Belt, which includes agricultural areas within the green wedge. The project proposes to irrigate these areas through a gravity-fed system using Class A recycled water from the Eastern Treatment Plant. If this project proceeds, then it would have a guaranteed water supply that could withstand drought and would improve the area’s competitive advantages for intensive agriculture. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Clause 21.04 Economic Development is also of relevance. The objective of sub Clause 21.04-2 Agriculture is to maintain agriculture as a strong and sustainable economic activity within the municipality. The following key issues are also identified: Maintaining and protecting high value of agricultural land within the municipality. Protecting productive agricultural land from incompatible uses and inappropriate development and subdivision, including non-soil based farming on lands with high soil quality. Accessing sustainable water supplies for agricultural activities. Recognising the impact of intensive farming on surrounding uses. Developing Green Wedge Management Plans to fulfil statutory, strategic, environmental, economic and social requirements. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Continue to contribute to the preparation of the subregional integrated water management plan for the Western Port catchment in conjunction with the key authorities and agencies. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Continue to work with Southern Rural Water and South East Water to investigate and implement alternative water sources to reduce the depletion of groundwater. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Council will take up every opportunity to enhance agricultural production particularly in the southern rural region (Bunyip Food Belt) by using recycled water from the Eastern Treatment Plant at Carrum. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | A27: Support farmers to stay on the land by facilitating information sessions and educate farmers by addressing matters such as improving farm and land management; generating additional farm income through programs such as EcoTender, discuss alternative farming methods, succession planning and other relevant topics. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Generally, groundwater levels have been rising and have stabilised over the last 40 years; however, some observation bores have indicated a downward trend. Metered groundwater usage is currently well below total groundwater licence entitles and under the Groundwater Management Plan, no new restrictions are placed on current licence holders’ ability to access their full entitlement. However, if the corporation deems it necessary, it may restrict extraction | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | A29: Support Agribusiness Gippsland in providing information in relation to improving farm and land management; discuss alternative farming methods, succession planning and other relevant topics. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | he IWMP encompasses the anticipated growth in population and the impact of 24 Cardinia Shire Council Integrated Water Management Plan 2015-25, September 2015. 42 urbanisation on Cardinia Shire’s water cycle and seeks to ensure that the water cycle can support productive land uses, particularly in the context of climate change. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Support Agribusiness Gippsland in providing information in relation to improving farm and land management; discuss alternative farming methods, succession planning and other relevant topics. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | need to support farmers to improve local land management and environmental practices such as soil protection, water recycling and revegetation. Opportunities for financial incentives were suggested, as well as the need for better information and education programs. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Support farmers to stay on the land by facilitating information sessions, and educate farmers by addressing matters such as improving farm and land management; generating additional farm income through programs such as EcoTender; discussing alternative farming methods, succession planning and other relevant topics. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Objective Recognise the role groundwater plays in the Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge and protect and enhance its capability to support productive farming. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | The objective at Section 4 Our economy is we will create and support local employment and business opportunities for our community and the wider region. Section 4.2 Maintain strong agricultural activities. In order to achieve the above, the following actions are listed: 4.2.1 Support our farmers and growing agricultural industry in adapting to the changing economy and climate. 4.2.2 Identify innovative ways to value add to the region’s primary production and transportation. 4.2.3 Advocate for the development of roadways to value add to the region’s primary production and transportation. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Obtain data from water agencies that measure the volume of recycled water delivered to agricultural uses which will help Council to continue to advocate for alternative water sources. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Urban uses such as schools and places of worship will be discouraged from locating anywhere within the SUZ1 to ensure that this highly valuable soil is preserved for soil based agriculture and horticulture and the right to farm for existing and future farmers is protected. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Ongoing discussions are occurring between Council and Melbourne water in relation to the location of a new Class A recycled water treatment plant in the Clyde/Cardinia area. The intent is for this treatment plant to have the ability to supply Class A recycled water to agricultural producers and together with the existing Pakenham Treatment Plant it has the ability to increase the agricultural viability of the land in and around Officer South, Rythdale and Cardinia. It is anticipated this land will increase in agricultural value, being able to produce more crops, therefore becoming more appealing to the local larger family farming businesses that are making numerous land purchases to urther expand their operations within the precinct. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Western Port’s internationally recognised environment, its established agriculture industry, rich agricultural soils, ready access to water, and its extensive transportation network (connecting farmers with nearby local markets and to ports for interstate or overseas markets) creates the area’s enormous (largely latent) economic potential. The management plan identifies strategies that aim to realise this potential, which will have flow-on effects on the local economy and employment, and the vibrancy of the settlements in the Green Wedge. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Southern Rural Water is working towards ensuring that additional water is available for agricultural production. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Caldermeade Farm, Cora Lynn Cheese Factory and the Warrook Cattle Farm are good examples of tourism in the green wedge, with a strong direct link to an existing or new agricultural use. The agricultural use must be critical to the operation of the proposed tourism offer. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |
| Cardinia Western Port Green Wedge Management Plan | Strategies Ensure that high quality groundwater in the green wedge is recognised as a finite resource which plays a significant role in the maintenance of the economic strength of the agriculture industry. Support natural systems by ensuring salinity/discharge of nutrients are managed, including through the use of management plans. Recognise the impacts that groundwater could have on land. Encourage alternative water supply systems to reduce the impact on groundwater. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Cardinia | Metropolitan |