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).
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Hold Ctrl to select multiple terms. Using ‘any words’ functions as an “OR” search. Using ‘all words’ functions as and “AND” search.
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| Document title | Relevant text in the policy | Domain | Topic | State | Local Government name | Council type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | Industrial Landuse Consider designating an area as an industrial zone that supports the development of industrial uses in the Shire, i.e. acknowledgement of Tabbita as an area attracting the value adding agriculture based industries and a more detailed investigation of the area for potential rezoning. Allow for small scale industries within village zones Develop a distinct Industrial area in Hillston and appropriately zone it Continue to allow rural industries to locate within the rural zone to support the agricultural activities of the area. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | Recommendation Visual and Landscape Amenity To value and preserve the agricultural landscape and amenity of the Shire | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | Recommendations for Rural Land To acknowledge that large areas of land are required for the type and range of agricultural land uses that occur in Carrathool To protect the agricultural use of the land that plays a vital role in the economics, social structure and use of environment of the Carrathool Shire and surrounding area. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | Strategic growth opportunities Population projections have suggested limited growth or even declining populations for the villages across the Shire. However for the following reasons it is considered prudent to provide for some future growth of Carrathool: the potential impact of economic development initiatives, limiting residential dwellings on agricultural land, | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | To guide the development of the rural and village development of Carrathool the following broad strategies are established: (i) good quality agricultural land, rural landscapes, water and extractive industry resources are identified and protected to ensure that their environmental value and economic potential is realised in a sustainable manner; (ii) established industries and employment generators such as the feedlots, cotton gins, food packaging and processing are protected to avoid encroachment by incompatible uses; | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | Vision for rural smallholdings Landuse To provide an attractive rural lifestyle opportunity, without requiring the responsibility of large acreage, while maintaining a commitment to environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity of the Shire area. Take a Strategic approach to rural smallholdings development in specified areas rather than allow for ad hoc and scattered rural residential development across the Shire. Investigate identified potential areas which meet the key criteria for efficient and suitable rural smallholdings development. Establish guidelines and landuse controls which manage the landuse conflicts between rural smallholdings development and the business of agriculture. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | While Council does not have direct controls over the agricultural land uses that are carried on over much of the Shire, it is keen to ensure that the basic soil resources within its boundaries are not degraded, or if they are currently degraded, that they are rehabilitated. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | Protection of agricultural resources is vital. Impacts of other land uses should be managed to protect this resource | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | There is a range of agricultural activities in the area with a variety of specific needs. From intensive agricultural activities to orchards and broad acre cultivation and grazing. Landuse management should cater for this diverse range of needs in terms of minimum lot sizes appropriate to the type of agricultural industry of each area. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | Recommendations Water and groundwater To acknowledge the vital resource of water which supports agriculture, industry, the environment and communities within the Shire | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | To provide sustainable water for agricultural pursuits that are the economic base of the Shire | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | (ii) established industries and employment generators such as the feedlots, cotton gins, food packaging and processing are protected to avoid encroachment by incompatible uses; | Sustainability and Environment | Local, sustainable food processing | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | (ii) established industries and employment generators such as the feedlots, cotton gins, food packaging and processing are protected to avoid encroachment by incompatible uses | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | (ii) established industries and employment generators such as the feedlots, cotton gins, food packaging and processing are protected to avoid encroachment by incompatible uses | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Carrathool Sustainable Settlement Strategy | Recommendations for Strategic Direction Economic  Agriculture is vital to the Shire’s economic success and should be prioritised | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Casey Community Local Law 2018 | Animal Numbers (1) A person who owns or occupies land of: (a) 5 large birds; and/or less than 4000 square metres must not, except with a permit, keep more than; (i) (ii) 20 small birds; and/or (iii) 6 poultry; and/or (iv) 5 rabbits; and/or (v) 8 guinea pigs or ferrets; and/or (vi) 2 dogs and 2 cats. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Casey | Metropolitan |
| Casey South Agriculture District Small Lot Excision Policy | Casey South Agriculture District – Small Lot Excision Policy (Version No. 1) 1 Where the Policy Applies This policy applies to land which is zoned Schedule 5 to the Green Wedge Zone (GWZ) or equivalent, having a minimum subdivision lot area of 20 hectares within the City of Casey’s portion of the Western Port Green Wedge. 2 Policy basis The City of Casey’s rural areas are valued because of their agricultural, economic, landscape, cultural and environmental attributes. The rural areas of the City of Casey’s portion of the Western Port Green Wedge are a finite resource which must be carefully managed to avoid inappropriate development. There is a need to maintain the viability of agricultural operations and to meet the needs of the farming community. This can involve proposals for small lot subdivision and associated land excision to provide finance in support of these needs. Over a period of time such subdivision may reduce the productive capacity of otherwise viable farming properties and may also diminish their environmental or landscape values. This policy provides direction on the method of controlling this type of subdivision and identifies where and in what circumstances Council will entertain the subdivision of land which is zoned within Schedule 5 to the Green Wedge Zone (GWZ) or an equivalent zone. 3 Policy objectives » | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Casey | Metropolitan |
| Casey South Agriculture District Small Lot Excision Policy | To encourage sustainable farming and rural industries and improve the management of land. To maintain the character of rural areas. To conserve rural areas of environmental significance. 4 Policy It is policy that: » Rural land is protected as a long term resource so that its farming, environmental and landscape values can be enjoyed by future generations. » Small lot excisions may only be effected by means of two sequential planning applications: » » Two-lot subdivision with a minimum lot size of twenty (20) hectares. Boundary realignment to create a smaller lot with a minimum size of one (1) hectare. Such proposals will only be supported if it can be demonstrated that the proposal will improve, or have the prospect to improve, the sustainable use of the land for farming and not compromise any identified environmental or landscape values associated with the land. Page 3 of 5 Casey South Agriculture District – Small Lot Excision Policy (Version No. 1) » Page 4 of 5 Any smaller lot created by a boundary realignment must be located on poorer quality agricultural land where feasible, or in a location that will maximise the sustainable use of the larger balance lot for farming purposes. » A land capability assessment must be provided to substantiate that any proposed one hectare lots can satisfy the requirements of the Environmental Protection Authority’s Guidelines for Environmental Management Code of Practice – Onsite Wastewater Management. » Any smaller lot created by boundary realignment shall not contain native vegetation, environmental features or farm infrastructure which will be significantly affected by buildings and works. » The owner must enter into an agreement with the Responsible Authority under Section 173 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 that states that: » No further permit applications or permit amendments will be lodged for the subdivision or boundary realignment of any new lot created. » Where more than one dwelling exists on any lot created, the additional dwelling(s) must be removed so that only one dwelling is present on each lot. The additional dwelling(s) must be removed from the affected lot within 12 months of the issue of the statement of compliance. 5 Decision guidelines In considering applications to subdivide land and to realign boundaries for small lot excisions, the Responsible Authority will consider whether: » » » » The proposal provides an opportunity to consolidate smaller, fragmented holdings which are under the one ownership. The land has an area sufficient to comply with the minimum land subdivision provisions of Schedule 5 to the Green Wedge Zone (GWZ) or equivalent zone. The smaller lot would have an area no smaller than one (1) hectare and be capable of containing a building envelope with a minimum dimension of 35 metres by 35 metres. The sustainable use of land for farming would be improved and that any identified environmental, or landscape values associated with the land would not be compromised. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Casey | Metropolitan |
| Casey Sustainability Plan | Casey has some community gardens where composting is used to reduce waste, but more food gardens in the community will be encouraged to ensure healthy, fresh and cheap food is available to Casey residents. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Casey | Metropolitan |
| Casey Sustainability Plan | il is working with partners to encourage the roll-out of infrastructure that supports the safe transfer and use of recycled water to new suburbs and Casey’s agricultural enterprises. Casey officers are actively involved in the development of an Integrated Water Strategy by South East Water, Melbourne Water and Southern Rural Water for the region, as well as in work by the Growth Areas Authority at the precinct scale. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Casey | Metropolitan |
| Casey Sustainability Plan | Casey has some community gardens where composting is used to reduce waste, but more food gardens in the community will be encouraged to ensure healthy, fresh and cheap food is available to Casey residents. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Casey | Metropolitan |
| Casey Sustainability Plan | Help the community (including businesses) to adapt to future challenges and build resilience to more extreme weather, food security, peak oil and coastal hazards. | Sustainability and Environment | Food supply and food system resilience | Victoria | Casey | Metropolitan |
| Casey Sustainability Plan | Casey has some community gardens where composting is used to reduce waste, but more food gardens in the community will be encouraged to ensure healthy, fresh and cheap food is available to Casey residents. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Casey | Metropolitan |
| CASTERTON LIVESTOCK SALEYARDS LOCAL LAW 2013 | 1.2 Objectives The objectives of this Local Law are to:- a) provide for the effective administration and management of the Casterton Livestock Saleyards by formalising the appointment of a Saleyard Manager to manage the Saleyards for Council. b) assist in the documentation of procedures and the expectations of Casterton Livestock Saleyard users such that European Union (EU) accreditation can be maintained and accreditation to National Saleyards Quality Accreditation (NSQA) can be achieved. c) provide for the setting and collection of fees from Stock Agents and Vendors selling livestock in the Casterton Livestock Saleyards and to prescribe the level of those fees. d) enable the Casterton Livestock Saleyards Manager to prescribe the days and hours during each day on which sales can be held at the Casterton Livestock Saleyards. e) protect Council assets and facilities at the Casterton Livestock Saleyards. f) promote and enforce appropriate adherence to occupational health and safety practices at the Casterton Livestock Saleyards. g) control and prevent behaviour within the Casterton Livestock Saleyards which is a nuisance, or which may be detrimental to health and safety. h) control the use of the Casterton Livestock Saleyards at all times. i) control the use of dogs at the Casterton Livestock Saleyards. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| CASTERTON LIVESTOCK SALEYARDS LOCAL LAW 2013 | 1.2 Objectives The objectives of this Local Law are to:- a) provide for the effective administration and management of the Casterton Livestock Saleyards by formalising the appointment of a Saleyard Manager to manage the Saleyards for Council. b) assist in the documentation of procedures and the expectations of Casterton Livestock Saleyard users such that European Union (EU) accreditation can be maintained and accreditation to National Saleyards Quality Accreditation (NSQA) can be achieved. c) provide for the setting and collection of fees from Stock Agents and Vendors selling livestock in the Casterton Livestock Saleyards and to prescribe the level of those fees. d) enable the Casterton Livestock Saleyards Manager to prescribe the days and hours during each day on which sales can be held at the Casterton Livestock Saleyards. e) protect Council assets and facilities at the Casterton Livestock Saleyards. f) promote and enforce appropriate adherence to occupational health and safety practices at the Casterton Livestock Saleyards. g) control and prevent behaviour within the Casterton Livestock Saleyards which is a nuisance, or which may be detrimental to health and safety. h) control the use of the Casterton Livestock Saleyards at all times. i) control the use of dogs at the Casterton Livestock Saleyards. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Glenelg | Regional |
| CATEGORISATION OF LAND AS FARMLAND FOR RATING PURPOSES POLICY | Objective a) b) c) d) REFERENCE REVIEW DATE FILE NUMBER 3 NOVEMBER 2019 A0340007, A0340049 To provide clear guidelines and procedures in relation to the assessment of rateable land parcels for the categorisation as Farmland for rating purposes and to ensure that all farmland assessments are determined using consistent measures. To ensure that the guidelines and procedures are implemented efficiently and effectively. To provide staff with authority to assess rateable land parcels for the categorisation as Farmland for rating purposes. To afford efficient assessment of farmland rating entitlement for land which is readily to be accepted as farmland and to make transparent the criteria for assessment. e) Where a parcel of land is not initially accepted as qualifying for farmland rating further assessment criteria and methods are identified. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Mid-Western Regional | Regional |
| Catering Provision Policy | A mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian, healthy food options will be provided at events where catering is required. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | North Sydney | Metropolitan |
| Catering Provision Policy | Where applicable any leftover food, not consumed within the organisation, will be donated to an appropriate organisation that distributes excess food. Refer to the organisation’s guidelines regarding what food can/cannot be collected. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | North Sydney | Metropolitan |
| Catering Provision Policy | Where possible, catering will be provided in a manner which is consistent with the Council’s strategic goals regarding environmental sustainability. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | North Sydney | Metropolitan |
| Catering Provision Policy | Where applicable any leftover food, not consumed within the organisation, will be donated to an appropriate organisation that distributes excess food. Refer to the organisation’s guidelines regarding what food can/cannot be collected. | Health and Wellbeing | Nutrition in vulnerable populations | NSW | North Sydney | Metropolitan |