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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FROM THE CITY | Recognise the importance of opening opportunities for community-based food production in public spaces as a means to improve community health, wellbeing and local food security, as well as to encourage community custodianship of the public space | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Greater Bendigo | Regional |
| FROM THE CITY | space environments | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Greater Bendigo | Regional |
| FROM THE CITY | Support the establishment of resident- and/or community-managed street verge gardens as a means of food production and amenity improvements to residential streetscapes | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Greater Bendigo | Regional |
| FROM THE CITY | Continue to incorporate food production into the permanent design and management of selected, Botanic Gardens, as demonstration and leadership projects to promote food production in the public landscape | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Greater Bendigo | Regional |
| FROST CONTROL FANS | 2 What are the aims of this policy? • To find an equitable balance between the use of frost control fans and the amenity of surrounding residents. • To address the interface issues regarding the installation and operation of frost control fans. • To set standards appropriate for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation area for the installation and operation of frost control fans. • To allow for sustainable agriculture. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Leeton | Regional |
| Future Melbourne 2026 | Melbourne will have affordable, well-designed family homes and neighbourhoods suitable for raising children. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Future Melbourne 2026 | Priority 2.4: Affordable for all to live. Melbourne will provide affordable options for accommodation, food and services. It will offer a mix of housing, facilities and recreation to support a diverse and inclusive community. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Future Melbourne 2026 | modify built environments in the municipality to include initiatives such as the urban forest, green roofs, vertical gardens and community gardens to mitigate the consequences of climate change, such as the urban heat island effect. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Future Melbourne 2026 | modify built environments in the municipality to include initiatives such as the urban forest, green roofs, vertical gardens and community gardens to mitigate the consequences of climate change, such as the urban heat island effect. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Future Melbourne 2026 | modify built environments in the municipality to include initiatives such as the urban forest, green roofs, vertical gardens and community gardens to mitigate the consequences of climate change, such as the urban heat island effect. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Future Melbourne 2026 | adoption of new technologies such as driverless vehicles, intelligent traffic management systems and automated freight movement. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Future Melbourne 2026 | Priority 6.4: Implement innovative and effective urban freight solutions. Melbourne will have innovative and efficient freight logistics, infrastructure and vehicles that optimise the flow of goods locally and globally. Melbourne’s freight system will strengthen the municipality’s economy. It will be environmentally sustainable, and freight traffic will be designed and managed to enhance the municipality’s liveability. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Gannawarra 2025 | Aspirational Statement It is 2025 and Gannawarra is once again an energetic and confident community. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy and boasts state-of-the-art, sustainable water management systems and leads the state in best practice land management. The economic base is now more balanced with new industries such as environmental remediation, renewable energy, carbon management and eco-tourism. The youth of the town are enthused by the local employment prospects these sectors offer and educators are able to tailor their education accordingly. As a result, the community values education because it builds pathways to success. The shire recognise this, making a point of celebrating the achievements of it citizens. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | . The Murrabit market story is a great case study of what a community can achieve by working together. | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | Situated in the far north of the shire on the Murray River this agricultural area is probably best known for the monthly Murrabit market РVictoria’s largest country market, attracting more than 300 site holders from across the state selling diverse wares. | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | The renowned Murrabit market also began in the late 1970s and continues to this day. | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | Aspirational Statement It is 2025 and Gannawarra is once again an energetic and confident community. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy and boasts state-of-the-art, sustainable water management systems and leads the state in best practice land management. The economic base is now more balanced with new industries such as environmental remediation, renewable energy, carbon management and eco-tourism. The youth of the town are enthused by the local employment prospects these sectors offer and educators are able to tailor their education accordingly. As a result, the community values education because it builds pathways to success. The shire recognise this, making a point of celebrating the achievements of it citizens. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | Continue to monitor land use change and develop planning and policy to enhance sustainable agricultural productivity. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | Promote local sustainable farming superannuation project as ‘best practice’ case study and leverage to put Gannawarra wetlands ‘on the map’ | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | The following areas must become the focus of the economic development team: • Sustainable agriculture | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | The high reliance on the agricultural sector has put Gannawarra in a vulnerable position in recent times. For future security and to create a wider spectrum of job opportunities, a range of new industries must be developed. However, irrigated agriculture needs to be supported and protected. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | The local superannuation farming initiative is an example of the effectiveness of an integrated, ‘best land use’ approach and could be championed as a test case. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | Aspirational Statement It is 2025 and Gannawarra is once again an energetic and confident community. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy and boasts state-of-the-art, sustainable water management systems and leads the state in best practice land management. The economic base is now more balanced with new industries such as environmental remediation, renewable energy, carbon management and eco-tourism. The youth of the town are enthused by the local employment prospects these sectors offer and educators are able to tailor their education accordingly. As a result, the community values education because it builds pathways to success. The shire recognise this, making a point of celebrating the achievements of it citizens. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | Continue to monitor land use change and develop planning and policy to enhance sustainable agricultural productivity. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | Promote local sustainable farming superannuation project as ‘best practice’ case study and leverage to put Gannawarra wetlands ‘on the map’. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | The following areas must become the focus of the economic development team: • Sustainable agriculture | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | The local superannuation farming initiative is an example of the effectiveness of an integrated, ‘best land use’ approach and could be championed as a test case. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 | Aspirational Statement It is 2025 and Gannawarra is once again an energetic and confident community. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy and boasts state-of-the-art, sustainable water management systems and leads the state in best practice land management. The economic base is now more balanced with new industries such as environmental remediation, renewable energy, carbon management and eco-tourism. The youth of the town are enthused by the local employment prospects these sectors offer and educators are able to tailor their education accordingly. As a result, the community values education because it builds pathways to success. The shire recognise this, making a point of celebrating the achievements of it citizens. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 Taking up the challenge | Aspirational Statement It is 2025 and Gannawarra is once again an energetic and confident community. Agriculture remains the backbone of the economy and boasts state-of-the-art, sustainable water management systems and leads the state in best practice land management. The economic base is now more balanced with new industries such as environmental remediation, renewable energy, carbon management and eco-tourism. The youth of the town are enthused by the local employment prospects these sectors offer and educators are able to tailor their education accordingly. As a result, the community values education because it builds pathways to success. The shire recognise this, making a point of celebrating the achievements of it citizens. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| Gannawarra 2025 Taking up the challenge | . The Murrabit market story is a great case study of what a community can achieve by working together. | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |