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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Tourism L-11 Manningham Tourism Strategic Plan | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Identify the niche markets and business opportunities with the most economic potential for development in the Green Wedge including: ecotourism; health tourism; Bed and Breakfast accommodation; home based businesses; locally grown produce; and farmers markets. • Support the existing | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | • Investigate how council can help sustain existing agricultural businesses in the Green Wedge and support other economically viable opportunities for this land including a review of the Rural Conservation Zone and local planning policy provisions, with consideration of global issues such as; peak oil, food miles and food security. • Investigate feasibility of financial mechanisms to support sustainable agriculture eg. a “Farm Rate” or “farm grant” for primary producers. • Advocate to State Government to consider the sale of value added products in Rural Conservation zones. • Continue to work with primary producers as appropriate to address their concerns and issues on a one to one/case by case basis. • Advocate to research institutions for research partnerships to enhance best practice for sustainable small property management and opportunities to transition out of farming. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | L-9 Sustain viable agricultural and rural businesses | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | • Review Planning controls to ensure; land holders right to farm | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Advocate to the State Government to assist farmers with sustainable farming and right to farm issues in the Green Wedge. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Identify the niche markets and business opportunities with the most economic potential for development in the Green Wedge including: ecotourism; health tourism; Bed and Breakfast accommodation; home based businesses; locally grown produce; and farmers markets. • Support the existing | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Ensure that implementation of key community plans: Municipal Health Plan, Ageing well in Manningham, Heat Wave Strategy, Affordable Housing (currently being finalised) and Know Your Neighbour have a focus in the Green Wedge and consider the specific constraints and opportunities of the area | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Green Wedge Schools Program | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | of Sustainability seminars and programs including: Sustainable Gardening seminars; Better | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Provide new and existing residents in the Green Wedge with an introductory guide to living in the area, including information regarding surrounding farming activities and issues. Review previously distributed Green Wedge Information Kits for New Residents and include Real Estate Agents on distribution list | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | • Investigate how council can help sustain existing agricultural businesses in the Green Wedge and support other economically viable opportunities for this land including a review of the Rural Conservation Zone and local planning policy provisions, with consideration of global issues such as; peak oil, food miles and food security. • Investigate feasibility of financial mechanisms to support sustainable agriculture eg. a “Farm Rate” or “farm grant” for primary producers. • Advocate to State Government to consider the sale of value added products in Rural Conservation zones. • Continue to work with primary producers as appropriate to address their concerns and issues on a one to one/case by case basis. • Advocate to research institutions for research partnerships to enhance best practice for sustainable small property management and opportunities to transition out of farming. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | L-9 Sustain viable agricultural and rural businesses | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | 4.4 Planning Policy and Governance Looking after the Green Wedge is a whole of Council responsibility. The task of day-to-day operations requires good systems, tools, measurement, skills and culture to ensure that Council’s responsibilities for the Green Wedge are achieved. Sound planning policy requires the people, the skills and the tools to deliver strong performance and provide open and transparent reporting. There is an ongoing task to refine planning and operational processes within Council to ensure that all services are delivered to the highest standards for environmental, economic and social sustainability. Sound planning policy also relies on Council having a sound understanding of the needs and expectations of all parts of our community, government agencies and other stakeholders. Each of these groups provides valuable input into the way we govern and design and operate our services. Project Title 4.4.1 Land-Use Controls P-1 State Government Advocacy • Advocate to State Government to ensure support of Council decisions in regard to “prohibited” and inappropriate development in the Rural Conservation Zone in Manningham. • Advocate for guidance and certainty from the State Government as to how Net Gain should be implemented and achieved through the Planning Scheme at a local level. P-2 Planning Controls Review • Review Planning controls to ensure; land holders right to farm, to provide agricultural businesses with a transition out of current farming practices to allow other land uses and opportunities; to determine the limits and ability of the planning scheme and local law to set standards for sustainable land management, specifically in relation to animal stocking rates and grazing of native vegetation and that restrict agricultural practices, economic development and tourism opportunities. Also refer to L-9. P-3 Review Wildfire Management Overlay P-4 Planning Scheme Amendment C54 • Review Manningham’s application of the Wildfire Management Overlay (WMO) and associated policies; ensure appropriate Council plans, procedures and resources are in place to provide for fire prevention, preparation, response and recovery. • Continue to progress the implementation of Planning Scheme Amendment C54, which aims to reduce red tape for developments, simplify planning scheme controls and improve protection of environmental and landscape assets in Manningham on public and private land. Page 26 of 36 Short Medium Short A EEP, (DSE) Short Medium Long D, I EEP, SP Internal A EEP Internal Action Timing Priority Responsibility Resources Internal Short Medium Long Short D EEP, SP, EO, HLL Internal D, E EEP, SP Internal | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Advocate to the State Government to assist farmers with sustainable farming and right to farm issues in the Green Wedge. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Finding lasting solutions to the complex relationships between urban development, landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage protection is challenge requiring coordinated partnerships between neighbouring councils, state government organisations and a multitude of stakeholders. Council must lead, partner and influence other decision makers to actively advocate for a sustainable future for the Green Wedge. This includes influencing the actions of other agencies and organisations in support of sustainability goals and advocating for changes to policy planning and regulatory environments that will ensure the long term protection and sustainability of the Manningham Green Wedge. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Project Title 4.3.3 Waste S-10 Action Timing Council Role Manningham Waste Management Strategy • Implement the Manningham Waste Management Strategy (2006) and Waste Management Education and Marketing Plan (2008), including encouragement of Green Wedge land owners to compost their large volumes of green waste. 4.3.4 | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Advocate for alternative water sources for land holders/farmers such as recycled water through backlog sewer implementation in the Green Wedge and include in the Storm Water Management Plan (SWMP) in 2011 | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Establish Regional Water Sensitive Urban Design Group with local Councils and relevant industry and agency partners to develop new and innovative practices and standards that maintains the semi-rural character and environmental values of the Green Wedge | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | ration of stormwater harvesting opportunities for Council parks, reserves, roadsides, carparks, private business and agricultural operations; | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | of Sustainability seminars and programs including: Sustainable Gardening seminars; Better | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Project Title 4.3.3 Waste S-10 Action Timing Council Role Manningham Waste Management Strategy • Implement the Manningham Waste Management Strategy (2006) and Waste Management Education and Marketing Plan (2008), including encouragement of Green Wedge land owners to compost their large volumes of green waste. 4.3.4 | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | • Review Planning controls to ensure; land holders right to farm, to provide agricultural businesses with a transition out of current farming practices to allow other land uses and opportunities; to determine the limits and ability of the planning scheme and local law to set standards for sustainable land management, specifically in relation to animal stocking rates and grazing of native vegetation and that restrict agricultural practices, economic development and tourism opportunities. Also refer to L-9. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | 4.2 Living and Working Sustainably Council has a role to help the community to reduce their ecological footprint through helping residents, businesses and community organisations to use resources more efficiently, choose more efficient transport options, choose locally produced food and products and minimise energy use and waste. Council will be required to lead by example as well as design and deliver targeted and innovative programs that are socially inclusive by addressing the needs of both current and future generations. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Green Wedge Action Plan 2020 | Project Title 4.3.3 Waste S-10 Action Timing Council Role Manningham Waste Management Strategy • Implement the Manningham Waste Management Strategy (2006) and Waste Management Education and Marketing Plan (2008), including encouragement of Green Wedge land owners to compost their large volumes of green waste. 4.3.4 | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN | Review planning policy to support the provision of accommodation for seasonal workers. (Backpacker or Budget.) | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN | Advocate to State Government to consider sale of value added products in green wedge zones or modifying definitions to allow expanded farm gate sales. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN | Farm Gate/ Cellar Door Sales – from an economic development perspective, Council wishes to support the sale of agricultural produce as a means of supplementing the viability of local agriculture. State planning policy prohibits farmers selling all but primary produce (unprocessed fruit, vegetable etc. Further all produce must be grown on the land from which it is sold or adjacent land). Any value added sales are classified as a ‘retail’ use which is prohibited in the green wedge zones. The exception is wineries which are allowed to sell retail vineyard products and food and drink for consumption on site. These regulations seem to disadvantage other agricultural producers by restricting them from selling their value added produce on site. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN | Modify the definition of primary produce sales to allow some value added product. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN | Partnerships: Tourism Alliance Victoria, Parks Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) – Council maintains partnerships with a number of bodies at State and regional level to ensure a viable and sustainable tourism industry operates in the Shire. Financial support for Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges Marketing. Partnership with the Yarra Valley Wine Growers Association and the Yarra Valley Regional Food Group. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |