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.
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| Document title | Relevant text in the policy | Domain | Topic | State | Local Government name | Council type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour City Council Open Space Strategy 2010 | Thompsons Road ‐ Investigate dog exercise circuit. Drink station. Create circuit walk. Beautify southern end | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour City Council Open Space Strategy 2010 | Creating Community Gardens Coffs Harbour currently lacks Community Gardens. The community, through the Vision 2030 process has identified a strong interest in Community Gardens. Community Gardens offer a range of positive benefits including social contact and the opportunity to grow flowers and vegetables. Community Gardens will increase in importance as areas move to higher density and people no longer have access to private Open Space for this purpose. When considering sites to establish gardens, Council must take into account the access and use of the open space for the whole community as Community Gardens will only be accessible to part of the community. Additionally Community Gardens raise a variety of land management issues that Council must address including use of herbicides/pesticides, fertilisers, composting material, security of the sites, vandalism, visual appearance, public safety. Council also needs to consider the scale, type and management model for Community Gardens it will support, including whether or not small gardens for largely individual use will be considered as well larger gardens benefiting a larger community group. Council will need to determine appropriate management mechanisms to address all concerns including formal agreements with community groups for management of the sites. Council will need to develop guidelines in relation to Community Gardens that include the following considerations: A demonstrated benefit to local residents and the wider community. Adequate open space to compensate for land being used as a community garden. Suitable managerial mechanism for the running of the garden e.g. an incorporated community body. Appropriate auditing mechanisms to ensure compliance with Council's requirements. If the land is required for another purpose council must retain the right to reclaim the land for that purpose. In the event the garden is no longer required or functional, all infrastructure and plants established as part of the community garden must be removed prior to the land being returned to Council. When considering applicants, priority will be given to groups/individuals that do not have access to private land. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour City Council Open Space Strategy 2010 | Develop England’s Park as an adjunct to the Coffs Creek Reserve. This can form a social/family recreation space incorporating a local sport space for junior training and/or school use. Investigate improved car parking of Edgar Street, fitness trails and tree planting. Potential site to investigate for a Community Garden | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour City Council Open Space Strategy 2010 | Provide opportunity for development of Community Gardens in public Open Spaces and develop guidelines for establishing community gardens which reflect the considerations outlined in this Strategy. Determine an appropriate management model for community gardens and develop formal agreements and conditions of use | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour City Council Open Space Strategy 2010 | Creating Community Gardens Coffs Harbour currently lacks Community Gardens. The community, through the Vision 2030 process has identified a strong interest in Community Gardens. Community Gardens offer a range of positive benefits including social contact and the opportunity to grow flowers and vegetables. Community Gardens will increase in importance as areas move to higher density and people no longer have access to private Open Space for this purpose. When considering sites to establish gardens, Council must take into account the access and use of the open space for the whole community as Community Gardens will only be accessible to part of the community. Additionally Community Gardens raise a variety of land management issues that Council must address including use of herbicides/pesticides, fertilisers, composting material, security of the sites, vandalism, visual appearance, public safety. Council also needs to consider the scale, type and management model for Community Gardens it will support, including whether or not small gardens for largely individual use will be considered as well larger gardens benefiting a larger community group. Council will need to determine appropriate management mechanisms to address all concerns including formal agreements with community groups for management of the sites. Council will need to develop guidelines in relation to Community Gardens that include the following considerations: A demonstrated benefit to local residents and the wider community. Adequate open space to compensate for land being used as a community garden. Suitable managerial mechanism for the running of the garden e.g. an incorporated community body. Appropriate auditing mechanisms to ensure compliance with Council's requirements. If the land is required for another purpose council must retain the right to reclaim the land for that purpose. In the event the garden is no longer required or functional, all infrastructure and plants established as part of the community garden must be removed prior to the land being returned to Council. When considering applicants, priority will be given to groups/individuals that do not have access to private land. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour City Council Open Space Strategy 2010 | Develop England’s Park as an adjunct to the Coffs Creek Reserve. This can form a social/family recreation space incorporating a local sport space for junior training and/or school use. Investigate improved car parking of Edgar Street, fitness trails and tree planting. Potential site to investigate for a Community Garden | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour City Council Open Space Strategy 2010 | Provide opportunity for development of Community Gardens in public Open Spaces and develop guidelines for establishing community gardens which reflect the considerations outlined in this Strategy. Determine an appropriate management model for community gardens and develop formal agreements and conditions of use | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | DEVELOP Developing a strong food culture is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for the success of the regional agri-food economy. Council can play a role in working with other councils and partners in encouraging all parts of the value chain, including customers, to support each other. Engagement with producers, distributors, value adders, retailers and commercial users (eg. tourism and hospitality) is required to develop a collaborative network committed to encouraging the preference and demand for locally produced food. To build supply and demand between local producers and local residents and visitors to the region, the strategy needs to address blockages in the regional supply chain, build and maintain consumer confidence in regional products, and increase yield and improve margins and supply links for producers. There is a clear trend of heightened consumer interest in the quality and origins of food, with the authenticity of local food a key element to creating and satisfying market demand. The industry needs to tell its local region food story to highlight what makes it special and create connections between growers, distributors and consumers, and to grow understanding and confidence in local product. Sustainable food production, and environmentally sensitive agriculture techniques are becoming more significant in community discussions around this industry, and better industry communication is required. By developing and utilising a Coffs Coast regional food brand in local food and food tourism marketing, provenance is clear to consumers and reinforces the link between product and place. This is important for both local trade and for tourism, where food can differentiate destinations in a competitive marketplace. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | DEVELOP Developing a strong food culture is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for the success of the regional agri-food economy. Council can play a role in working with other councils and partners in encouraging all parts of the value chain, including customers, to support each other. Engagement with producers, distributors, value adders, retailers and commercial users (eg. tourism and hospitality) is required to develop a collaborative network committed to encouraging the preference and demand for locally produced food. To build supply and demand between local producers and local residents and visitors to the region, the strategy needs to address blockages in the regional supply chain, build and maintain consumer confidence in regional products, and increase yield and improve margins and supply links for producers. There is a clear trend of heightened consumer interest in the quality and origins of food, with the authenticity of local food a key element to creating and satisfying market demand. The industry needs to tell its local region food story to highlight what makes it special and create connections between growers, distributors and consumers, and to grow understanding and confidence in local product. Sustainable food production, and environmentally sensitive agriculture techniques are becoming more significant in community discussions around this industry, and better industry communication is required. By developing and utilising a Coffs Coast regional food brand in local food and food tourism marketing, provenance is clear to consumers and reinforces the link between product and place. This is important for both local trade and for tourism, where food can differentiate destinations in a competitive marketplace. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | Develop an investment attraction package for food and agricultural businesses and their supply chain | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | Explore the establishment of regional food co-operatives to increase strength in the market and centralise marketing and distribution | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | SCALE Recognising that the availability of agricultural land in the Coffs Harbour LGA is likely to remain a constraint to physical expansion, the sector needs to increase its ability to value-add (through processing, packaging, transport) to agricultural products. As technology moves into agriculture it is now cheaper to value-add to existing products. The industry needs to identify the trends, demand and efficiencies, as well as new methods of distribution available through online technologies. In addition, value added processing has potential to offer increased job opportunities. Horticulture on the Coffs Coast and in the surrounding region has traditionally comprised smaller, family run farms rather than large broadacre crops (with the exception of the Costa Group in Upper Corindi). With the explosion in the demand for blueberries and the short turnaround time required to produce a viable crop, a number of these smaller farms have converted from crops such as bananas, avocados and macadamias to blueberries. Other agricultural/on-farm activities and industries need to be explored to fully utilise the available land and to broaden the base of industry to mitigate for any potential adjustment in the blueberry industry. This will help build on the industry’s focus on year-round crops, attracting both staff and visitors. The Council will continue to support the industry and its partners in realising the significant export potential of this sector. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | • The food manufacturing and agribusiness (agri-food) economy – the latter a traditional strength of the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area (LGA), but heavily skewed towards blueberries, which needs diversification, especially services and processing. | Sustainability and Environment | Local, sustainable food processing | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | 7.0 Agri-food Economy • Facilitate development of new and emerging enterprises • Develop a strong food culture • Develop a regional agri-food brand • Develop an agri-food mini strategy • Re-vitalise the Coffs Coast Growers Market • Explore opportunities to value add to agricultural product • Develop agri-tourism activities • Advocate to diversify the agricultural base | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | 7.0 Agri-food economy • Facilitate development of new and emerging enterprises • Develop a strong food culture • Develop a regional agri-food brand • Develop an agri-food mini strategy • Re-vitalise the Coffs Coast Growers Market • Explore opportunities to value add to agricultural product • Develop agri-tourism activities • Advocate to diversify the agricultural base | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | Champion investment to support the identified sectors in the EDS 2022: digital innovation, agri-food, tourism | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | Council’s strategy will be to assist existing Coffs Coast and regional businesses (both those currently involved in agri-business and those not involved) to identify and explore new opportunities not just to grow their current business, but also to create and invest in new areas of the agri-food industry. The annual Mid North Coast Food Forum, an initiative of Coffs Harbour City Council, will be expanded to continue its role as a forum for exchange of ideas and networking within the Coffs Harbour LGA and regional agri-food industry | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | Develop an investment attraction package for food and agricultural businesses and their supply chain | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | Explore the opportunities for value-add to agricultural products | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | Finalise and commence implementation of an agri-food mini-strategy for the Coffs Harbour LGA | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | GROW The long-established Coffs Coast Growers Market, organised and run by Coffs Harbour City Council, is an important opportunity for small producers and start ups in the agri-food space to showcase their products, and gain valuable market feedback. It also adds to economic vibrancy in the Coffs Harbour City Centre. The Market needs to be progressively transformed into more of an incubator for new businesses in agri-food and related products, by applying some of the start up principles developed over time from 6 Degrees and other entrepreneurial programs. Marketing and training support will be developed in conjunction with partners and provided to assist businesses to grow their offering | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | INSPIRE & LEARN The current ‘start-up’ strategy offered through the 6 Degrees program can also be expanded to encourage a broader range of businesses and entrepreneurs (local and future local) who are looking to create businesses in the agri-food sector. These new businesses can also come from programs such as NEIS conducted locally by providers including ETC and Nortec who report up to 40% of participants are working on food related start-ups. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | Partner with and support Southern Cross University, TAFE NSW and other education providers in the LGA to advocate a holistic approach to LGA workforce planning and provision regarding the industry sectors identified (digital and innovation, agri-food, visitor economies) | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | SCALE Recognising that the availability of agricultural land in the Coffs Harbour LGA is likely to remain a constraint to physical expansion, the sector needs to increase its ability to value-add (through processing, packaging, transport) to agricultural products. As technology moves into agriculture it is now cheaper to value-add to existing products. The industry needs to identify the trends, demand and efficiencies, as well as new methods of distribution available through online technologies. In addition, value added processing has potential to offer increased job opportunities. Horticulture on the Coffs Coast and in the surrounding region has traditionally comprised smaller, family run farms rather than large broadacre crops (with the exception of the Costa Group in Upper Corindi). With the explosion in the demand for blueberries and the short turnaround time required to produce a viable crop, a number of these smaller farms have converted from crops such as bananas, avocados and macadamias to blueberries. Other agricultural/on-farm activities and industries need to be explored to fully utilise the available land and to broaden the base of industry to mitigate for any potential adjustment in the blueberry industry. This will help build on the industry’s focus on year-round crops, attracting both staff and visitors. The Council will continue to support the industry and its partners in realising the significant export potential of this sector. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | The three areas of focus are: • The digital economy – which is at the forefront of innovation and technology, and central to a strong services sector. Digital has now become mainstream and “business as usual” rather than merely an appendage to economic development and the creation of jobs. • The food manufacturing and agribusiness (agri-food) economy – the latter a traditional strength of the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area (LGA), but heavily skewed towards blueberries, which needs diversification, especially services and processing. • The visitor economy – a mainstay of the local economy, but which operates in a highly competitive market, and has a history of underinvestment within the region | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | 7.0 Agri-food Economy • Facilitate development of new and emerging enterprises • Develop a strong food culture • Develop a regional agri-food brand • Develop an agri-food mini strategy • Re-vitalise the Coffs Coast Growers Market • Explore opportunities to value add to agricultural product • Develop agri-tourism activities • Advocate to diversify the agricultural base | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | 7.0 Agri-food economy • Facilitate development of new and emerging enterprises • Develop a strong food culture • Develop a regional agri-food brand • Develop an agri-food mini strategy • Re-vitalise the Coffs Coast Growers Market • Explore opportunities to value add to agricultural product • Develop agri-tourism activities • Advocate to diversify the agricultural base | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | Create a Coffs Coast local food brand that can be used across multiple marketing platforms | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | DEVELOP Developing a strong food culture is a necessary, but not sufficient condition for the success of the regional agri-food economy. Council can play a role in working with other councils and partners in encouraging all parts of the value chain, including customers, to support each other. Engagement with producers, distributors, value adders, retailers and commercial users (eg. tourism and hospitality) is required to develop a collaborative network committed to encouraging the preference and demand for locally produced food. To build supply and demand between local producers and local residents and visitors to the region, the strategy needs to address blockages in the regional supply chain, build and maintain consumer confidence in regional products, and increase yield and improve margins and supply links for producers. There is a clear trend of heightened consumer interest in the quality and origins of food, with the authenticity of local food a key element to creating and satisfying market demand. The industry needs to tell its local region food story to highlight what makes it special and create connections between growers, distributors and consumers, and to grow understanding and confidence in local product. Sustainable food production, and environmentally sensitive agriculture techniques are becoming more significant in community discussions around this industry, and better industry communication is required. By developing and utilising a Coffs Coast regional food brand in local food and food tourism marketing, provenance is clear to consumers and reinforces the link between product and place. This is important for both local trade and for tourism, where food can differentiate destinations in a competitive marketplace. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |
| Coffs Harbour Economic Development Strategy 2017-2022 | Develop a comprehensive plan for Coffs Coast agri-food tourism, to promote a strong food culture | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Coffs Harbour | Regional |