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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COMMUNITY GARDENS POLICY | 1.0 Purpose This policy establishes Council’s commitment to the future of community gardening as a significant strategy that can contribute to the health, wellbeing, social, environmental and cultural strength of the community. It defines the place of community gardening within the priorities of Council’s integrated strategic planning framework and establishes the respective roles and relationships between Council and community garden groups. 2.0 Objectives The objectives of this Policy and Procedures are: to promote the ongoing establishment of community gardens as significant social assets that bring people together for learning, health, environmental, social and environmental benefits, to document a standardised procedure to ensure community gardens are established in a consistent and accountable manner on community land in Kiama Municipality, to define the rights and responsibilities of community groups, volunteers and Council involved in the development of community gardens, to support self-management of community gardens by community organisations, to recommend planning controls to support the development of community gardens on land established for community use, and to promote public learning opportunities and successful experience in relation to production and use of fresh, nutritious, locally produced food. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Kiama | Regional |
| Community Gardens Policy | Our Policy Woollahra Council recognises community gardening as a valuable recreational activity that contributes to health and well-being, positive social interaction, community development, environmental education and sustainable principles, protection and use of open space. Objectives The objectives of this policy include: • To recognise the need and benefits of community gardens. • To establish community gardens throughout Woollahra on public open space, where feasible and appropriate. • To recognise the value of community gardens, as a public amenity. • To ensure that all community gardens are managed in an efficient manner and maintained to an acceptable standard. • To ensure all community gardens are chemical free, water efficient and sustainable. • To acquire, share and increase knowledge and practice of organic gardening with various educational institutions and the local community. • To offer a suitable site for Council environmental workshops and educational days. • To standardise processes and procedures for the development of the community gardens. • To clarify the rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in community garden projects with reference to public liability, maintenance, safety and access. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Woollahra | Metropolitan |
| Community Gardens Policy | Our Policy Woollahra Council recognises community gardening as a valuable recreational activity that contributes to health and well-being, positive social interaction, community development, environmental education and sustainable principles, protection and use of open space. Objectives The objectives of this policy include: • To recognise the need and benefits of community gardens. • To establish community gardens throughout Woollahra on public open space, where feasible and appropriate. • To recognise the value of community gardens, as a public amenity. • To ensure that all community gardens are managed in an efficient manner and maintained to an acceptable standard. • To ensure all community gardens are chemical free, water efficient and sustainable. • To acquire, share and increase knowledge and practice of organic gardening with various educational institutions and the local community. • To offer a suitable site for Council environmental workshops and educational days. • To standardise processes and procedures for the development of the community gardens. • To clarify the rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved in community garden projects with reference to public liability, maintenance, safety and access. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Woollahra | Metropolitan |
| Community Gardens Policy | The Latrobe City has a community development approach to community gardens, to build effective partnerships between garden groups and organisations in their local community to facilitate community ownership and support long-term success of a garden. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Latrobe | Regional |
| Community Gardens Policy | The Latrobe City has a community development approach to community gardens, to build effective partnerships between garden groups and organisations in their local community to facilitate community ownership and support long-term success of a garden. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Latrobe | Regional |
| COMMUNITY GARDENS POLICY | Wagga Wagga City Council recognises community gardening as a valuable activity which contributes to health and wellbeing, positive social interaction, community capacity building, environmental education and sustainability principles as well as the protection and use of open space. This revised policy formalises the general principles under which Wagga Wagga City Council can determine appropriate use of Council owned space for the purpose of use as a community garden. Council’s revised Community Garden Policy has been developed to respond to the needs of the community of Wagga Wagga in line with Wagga View Our Future in Focus, Community Strategic Plan 2040. 1.1 Policy Objectives This Policy and accompanying procedures determines the parameters and guidelines for the use of Wagga Wagga City Council land as community garden space. 1.2 Scope of Policy This policy applies to the identification and usage of Wagga Wagga City Council public land for use as a community garden by incorporated not for profit community groups or organisations residing in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Wagga Wagga | Regional |
| COMMUNITY GARDENS POLICY | Wagga Wagga City Council recognises community gardening as a valuable activity which contributes to health and wellbeing, positive social interaction, community capacity building, environmental education and sustainability principles as well as the protection and use of open space. This revised policy formalises the general principles under which Wagga Wagga City Council can determine appropriate use of Council owned space for the purpose of use as a community garden. Council’s revised Community Garden Policy has been developed to respond to the needs of the community of Wagga Wagga in line with Wagga View Our Future in Focus, Community Strategic Plan 2040. 1.1 Policy Objectives This Policy and accompanying procedures determines the parameters and guidelines for the use of Wagga Wagga City Council land as community garden space. 1.2 Scope of Policy This policy applies to the identification and usage of Wagga Wagga City Council public land for use as a community garden by incorporated not for profit community groups or organisations residing in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Wagga Wagga | Regional |
| Community Gardens Policy | This Policy aims to provide a clear roadmap for the community and Council to develop and manage community gardens in the Bayside local government area (LGA). This policy outlines the types of gardens that may be supported by Council, where they can be located and the ongoing roles of Council and the public in managing and nurturing community gardens. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Community Gardens Policy | This Policy aims to provide a clear roadmap for the community and Council to develop and manage community gardens in the Bayside local government area (LGA). This policy outlines the types of gardens that may be supported by Council, where they can be located and the ongoing roles of Council and the public in managing and nurturing community gardens. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Community Gardens Policy | Policy Objectives The objectives of this Policy are to: Support the development of Community Gardens in Lake Macquarie city on Public Land, Acknowledge the role of Community Gardens with regard to sustainability and community development, Facilitate the establishment of Community Gardens on suitable parcels of public land, and Ensure that Community Gardens established on public land have efficient and effective management processes. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Lake Macquarie | Regional |
| Community Gardens Policy | Policy Objectives The objectives of this Policy are to: Support the development of Community Gardens in Lake Macquarie city on Public Land, Acknowledge the role of Community Gardens with regard to sustainability and community development, Facilitate the establishment of Community Gardens on suitable parcels of public land, and Ensure that Community Gardens established on public land have efficient and effective management processes. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Lake Macquarie | Regional |
| Community Gardens Policy | 1. PURPOSE 1.1 To broadly define Hawkesbury City Council's approach to the establishment, support, and management of community gardens within the City of Hawkesbury. 1.2 To establish a framework to assist community groups to form reasonable expectations about how Council can support the community to establish and operate a community garden. 1.3 To provide guidelines to assist interested community groups to investigate and negotiate effective conditions and arrangements for the establishment and operation of a community garden on land owned or managed by Council. 2. OBJECTIVES 2.1 The aim of this policy is to establish guidelines for establishing and operating community gardens on land which is owned or managed by Council and which is zoned as public open space. The Policy has been enacted to; (a) provide an opportunity for people and community groups who may have an interest in sponsoring a community garden project, to seek Council support in establishing and operating a community garden; (b) clarify the responsibilities of Council, community members and other stakeholders who may be involved in establishing a community garden project; (c) support the application of ‘good practice’ principles as they apply to the design, location and construction of community gardens; (d) ensure that community gardens are managed in an efficient manner and are maintained to an acceptable standard, and (e) meet requirements for community consultation and engagement with affected residents and adjoining owners prior to any decision to proceed with a community garden project. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Hawkesbury | Metropolitan |
| Community Gardens Policy | 1. PURPOSE 1.1 To broadly define Hawkesbury City Council's approach to the establishment, support, and management of community gardens within the City of Hawkesbury. 1.2 To establish a framework to assist community groups to form reasonable expectations about how Council can support the community to establish and operate a community garden. 1.3 To provide guidelines to assist interested community groups to investigate and negotiate effective conditions and arrangements for the establishment and operation of a community garden on land owned or managed by Council. 2. OBJECTIVES 2.1 The aim of this policy is to establish guidelines for establishing and operating community gardens on land which is owned or managed by Council and which is zoned as public open space. The Policy has been enacted to; (a) provide an opportunity for people and community groups who may have an interest in sponsoring a community garden project, to seek Council support in establishing and operating a community garden; (b) clarify the responsibilities of Council, community members and other stakeholders who may be involved in establishing a community garden project; (c) support the application of ‘good practice’ principles as they apply to the design, location and construction of community gardens; (d) ensure that community gardens are managed in an efficient manner and are maintained to an acceptable standard, and (e) meet requirements for community consultation and engagement with affected residents and adjoining owners prior to any decision to proceed with a community garden project. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Hawkesbury | Metropolitan |
| Community Gardens Policy | Purpose The purpose of this policy is to: outline Council’s approach to the establishment and support of community gardens on both public and private land; and clarify the roles of Council and community groups, particularly in the case of those who apply for community gardens on Council owned or managed land. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Penrith | Metropolitan |
| Community Gardens Policy | Purpose The purpose of this policy is to: outline Council’s approach to the establishment and support of community gardens on both public and private land; and clarify the roles of Council and community groups, particularly in the case of those who apply for community gardens on Council owned or managed land. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Penrith | Metropolitan |
| Community Gardens Policy – Procedure | Community Gardens Policy – Procedure | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Ryde | Metropolitan |
| Community Gardens Policy – Procedure | Community Gardens Policy – Procedure | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Ryde | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | .3.13 Household Composting Program Focus: Waste. Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions = 0.05 per cent There are a number of ways that households may compost organic kitchen and green waste including traditional compost bins and worm farms. Such actions can result in households recording a 74 per cent reduction of organic waste and 71 per cent reduction in waste to landfill. Composting training provides skills and information such as: > Compost bin and worm farm construction guidance; > Materials that can be placed in bins and worm farms; > Composting science; and > Management of odours. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | 3.3.13 Household Composting Program Focus: Waste. Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions = 0.05 per cent There are a number of ways that households may compost organic kitchen and green waste including traditional compost bins and worm farms. Such actions can result in households recording a 74 per cent reduction of organic waste and 71 per cent reduction in waste to landfill. Composting training provides skills and information such as: > Compost bin and worm farm construction guidance; > Materials that can be placed in bins and worm farms; > Composting science; and > Management of odours. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | Establish and promote Meat Free Mondays15 | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | 3.3.13 Household Composting Program Focus: Waste. Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions = 0.05 per cent There are a number of ways that households may compost organic kitchen and green waste including traditional compost bins and worm farms. Such actions can result in households recording a 74 per cent reduction of organic waste and 71 per cent reduction in waste to landfill. Composting training provides skills and information such as: > Compost bin and worm farm construction guidance; > Materials that can be placed in bins and worm farms; > Composting science; and > Management of odours. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | Further encourage home composting either through extending existing programs or developing new ones; | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | Further encouraging home composting; | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | Household composting program | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | Household Composting Program | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | 3.3.13 Household Composting Program Focus: Waste. Estimated greenhouse gas emissions reductions = 0.05 per cent There are a number of ways that households may compost organic kitchen and green waste including traditional compost bins and worm farms. Such actions can result in households recording a 74 per cent reduction of organic waste and 71 per cent reduction in waste to landfill. Composting training provides skills and information such as: > Compost bin and worm farm construction guidance; > Materials that can be placed in bins and worm farms; > Composting science; and > Management of odours. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | Household composting program | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | Further encourage home composting either through extending existing programs or developing new ones; | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | Further encouraging home composting; | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Community Greenhouse Strategy 2013 – 2030 | Household composting program | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |