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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Sustainability Framework | Design and construct a Sustainable Youth Garden – Emerton Youth Recreation Centre Com | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Blacktown | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework | Develop a new community garden at Grantham Heritage Park~ | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Blacktown | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework | Establish a Darug Bush Tucker Garden at Grantham Heritage Parklands in consultation with local Aboriginal groups C | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Blacktown | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework | community gardens | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Blacktown | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework | Design and construct a Sustainable Youth Garden – Emerton Youth Recreation Centre | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Blacktown | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework | Develop a new community garden at Grantham Heritage Park | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Blacktown | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework | Establish a Darug Bush Tucker Garden at Grantham Heritage Parklands in consultation with local Aboriginal groups | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Blacktown | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework | Support and implement the Gardens and Recycling in Urban Blacktown Program (GRUB) | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Blacktown | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework | Develop or participate in a rating system for food premises which is readily visible to customers and accessible on Council’s website | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Blacktown | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework | Ensure the comprehensive food shop surveillance program is implemented in accordance with the requirements of the Food Act 2004 (NSW) | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Blacktown | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework | Facilitate appropriate education programs that address the needs of our community including safe food handling seminars for food proprietors | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Blacktown | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | Food waste in Bayside contributes to a significant percentage of waste to landfill and avoiding food waste is, and will continue to be, a key component of Council’s current waste education program. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | 7. Does the plan have additional social and economic benefits? Plans and activities are assessed to have additional social and economic benefits. An example could be the establishment of a community garden enhancing community partnerships and community bonds (social benefit) and providing cheaper access to fresh fruits and vegetables (economic benefit). | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | In this better place the streets, private gardens, parks, foreshore and reserves are havens of flora and fauna indigenous to the Bayside area, have a widespread, shady tree canopy, and include edible landscapes that allow people to produce and harvest fresh food locally | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | Increase participation in community food activities including community gardens, food swaps and local farmers’ markets. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | There are different models of community gardens in Bayside including independently operated gardens. Council has a Community Gardens Policy to support the development of more community gardening in Bayside. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | • Home composting products | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | 7. Does the plan have additional social and economic benefits? Plans and activities are assessed to have additional social and economic benefits. An example could be the establishment of a community garden enhancing community partnerships and community bonds (social benefit) and providing cheaper access to fresh fruits and vegetables (economic benefit). | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | Households buy locally and grow much of their own food. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | In this better place the streets, private gardens, parks, foreshore and reserves are havens of flora and fauna indigenous to the Bayside area, have a widespread, shady tree canopy, and include edible landscapes that allow people to produce and harvest fresh food locally | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | Increase participation in community food activities including community gardens, food swaps and local farmers’ markets. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | There are different models of community gardens in Bayside including independently operated gardens. Council has a Community Gardens Policy to support the development of more community gardening in Bayside. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | Households buy locally and grow much of their own food. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | While there are no ‘farms’ in Bayside, current sustainable food initiatives include two farmers’ markets where farmers and small artisan food businesses sell directly to residents and consumers. This assists in reducing food miles and improving access to seasonally appropriate food. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | BIODIVERSITY ENVIRONMENTAL CITIZENSHIP SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT SUSTAINABLE WATER WASTE MANAGEMENT ZERO CARBON Council preparedness for, and mitigation of, risks from climate change including: • Drought and heat waves • Coastal impacts including storm surges, sea-level rises and coastal erosion • Disruptions to supply of essential services including electricity, fuel, water and food • Heat-related asset failures (for example building cooling systems, surfaces) • Higher peak flows and local flooding • Deterioration of buildings and other built road surfaces • Deterioration of open space, stress on the natural environment and associated costs • Heat-related stress and mortality (particularly among vulnerable populations) • Community impacts – people particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts and less able to respond effectively include the elderly, the very young, people with disabilities or chronic illness, people on low incomes, people with poor quality housing, the homeless, new arrivals and those from diverse cultural backgrounds Community preparedness for, and mitigation of, risks from climate change Biennial community survey on knowledge and practices INDICATORS Biennial audit against international standards Number of heatwave deaths, hospitalisations or other heatwave impacts (as compared to other municipalities) (Department of Human Services data) Number of power outages due to extreme weather events | Sustainability and Environment | Food supply and food system resilience | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | Food waste in Bayside contributes to a significant percentage of waste to landfill and avoiding food waste is, and will continue to be, a key component of Council’s current waste education program. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | In 2014, 65 percent of the material going to landfill (13,130 tonnes) from waste kerbside bins could have been recycled or composted. Approximately 50 percent of Bayside’s landfill waste is food, and 15 percent is recyclable materials. The materials going to landfill from kerbside bins results in significant greenhouse gas emissions and financial cost to Council. Council provides the following waste services to the community: • Kerbside waste service, which includes a waste bin, recycling bin and an optional green waste bin • Hard waste collection service • Waste transfer and recycling station • Street and litter bin services • Home composting products | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | Research sources included relevant Council strategies and plans, a discussion paper prepared by Bayside’s Environmental Strategy team, a Gap Analysis of Council’s environmental work and a recent review of Carbon Neutrality, Food Waste Avoidance and Integrated Water Management approaches. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT Increase production and consumption of local food by residents, schools and businesses Increase participation in community food activities including community gardens, food swaps and local farmers’ markets. | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Environmental Sustainability Framework 2016–2025 | While there are no ‘farms’ in Bayside, current sustainable food initiatives include two farmers’ markets where farmers and small artisan food businesses sell directly to residents and consumers. This assists in reducing food miles and improving access to seasonally appropriate food. | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |