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).
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| Document title | Relevant text in the policy | Domain | Topic | State | Local Government name | Council type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | 2.5.2 Develop strategy for ‘Food Upper Hunter’ in partnership with Upper Hunter Shire Council and Upper Hunter Country Tourism | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | 04 Develop agricultural industry opportunities | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | Delivery Program Objective 2.5 Develop agricultural industry opportunities in the Shire Operational Plan Action (19/20) Performance Measure 2.5.1 Develop an Agribusiness Development Strategy for Upper Hunter 2.5.2 Develop strategy for ‘Food Upper Hunter’ in partnership with Upper Hunter Shire Council and Upper Hunter Country Tourism Agribusiness Development Strategy developed and reported to Council for endorsement by June 2020 i. Forum held with producers/farmers ii. Strategy delivered Responsibility Economic Development and Innovation Economic Development and Innovation | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | 14.1.5 Conduct a community education program to reduce the volume of food and green waste | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | Conduct and report on the outcomes of an education program that facilitates community understanding of food and green waste that diverts waste from landfill | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | 3. Rating Method In accordance with Section 514 of the Local Government Act 1993, Council has categorised all rateable land in the Council area as Residential, Farmland, Business or Mining. Council determines that the ordinary rates will be applied across the following categories and sub-categories: Residential – General Council determines the sub-category for the category “Residential” called “Residential – General” for each parcel of rateable land valued as one assessment and its dominant use is residential (other than hotel, motel, guesthouse, boarding house, lodging house or nursing home) and is not connected to Council’s sewer main. Residential – Muswellbrook & Denman Council determines a sub-category for the category “Residential” called “Residential – Muswellbrook and Denman” for each parcel of rateable land valued as one assessment and its dominant use is residential (other than hotel, motel, guesthouse, boarding house, lodging house or nursing home), and is within the urban area of Muswellbrook and Denman townships and is either connected to Council’s sewer main or is liable for a collection fee. Farmland – General Council determines the sub-category for the category “Farmland” called “Farmland – General” for each parcel of rateable land valued as one assessment, if its dominant use is for farming and which: a) has a significant and substantial commercial purpose or character, and b) is engaged in for the purpose of profit on a continuous or repetitive basis (whether or not a profit is actually made), Revenue Policy Part 1 – Rates & Charges 1 and cannot be sub-categorised as: Farmland – Offset; Farmland – Affected by Mining; or Farmland – Irrigable. Farmland – Offset Council determines a sub-category for the category “Farmland” called “Farmland – Offset” for each parcel of rateable land valued as one assessment (“the parcel”) if its dominant use is for farming and which: a) has a significant and substantial commercial purpose or character, and b) and by reason of a planning law or a condition of a planning approval, c) d) is engaged in for the purpose of profit on a continuous or repetitive basis (whether or not a profit is actually made), the intensity of land use as farmland on the parcel or any part of it is affected by reason of one or more of the factors described in the schedule; and/or the productive capacity of the land for use as farmland on the parcel or any part of it is affected by reason of one or more of the factors described in the schedule. THE SCHEDULE (i) The parcel is used or held as an offset, including but not limited to an environmental offset, agricultural offset or aboriginal heritage or cultural offset. (ii) The parcel is used for the establishment or re-establishment of: (a) significant and/or threatened plant communities; (b) significant and/or threatened plant species; (c) significant and/or threatened animal species. (iii) The parcel is used for the generation or regeneration of grassland. (iv) The parcel is used for: a. enhancing the quality of existing vegetation and fauna habitat; b. creating native vegetation and fauna habitat and rehabilitation through focusing on assisted natural regeneration, targeted vegetation establishment and the introduction of naturally scarce fauna habitat features (where necessary); c. maximising the salvage of resources – including vegetative and soil resources – for beneficial reuse; d. minimising the risk of Phythophora cinnamomi spread; e. collecting and propagating seed; f. protecting vegetation and fauna habitat; Revenue Policy Part 1 – Rates & Charges 2 g. minimising the impacts on fauna, including undertaking pre-clearance surveys; h. managing any potential conflicts enhancement works and any Aboriginal heritage values (both cultural and archaeological); i. managing salinity; j. controlling weeds and feral pests; k. controlling erosion; l. managing grazing and agriculture on site. (v) One or more parts of the parcel is not used for grazing or is only used for controlled stock movement to prevent incidental impacts to the cultural heritage values of the parcel or any part of it. (vi) One or more parts of the parcel are used in such a way as to exclude all domestic stock. Farmland – Affected by Mining Council determines a sub-category for the category “Farmland” called “Farmland – Affected by Mining” for each parcel of rateable land valued as one assessment (“the parcel”) if its dominant use is for farming and: a) cannot be rated as “Farmland – Offset”; and b) on which the intensity of land use or productive capacity as farmland on the parcel or any part of it is limited by reason of one or more of the factors described in the schedule; and c) which has a significant and substantial commercial purpose or character; and d) which is engaged in for the purpose of profit on a continuous or repetitive basis (whether or not a profit is actually made). THE SCHEDULE (i) The parcel’s productive capacity as farmland and/or market value is affected by dust emanating from one or more coal mine whether or not such coal mine shares a boundary with the parcel. Such dust cumulatively more than: A. 15µg/m3 a day (annual averaging applying) at any farm residence; or B. 30µg/m3 a day (24-hour averaging applying) on any part of the farm. (ii) The parcel’s productive capacity as farmland and/or market value is affected by noise emanating from one or more coal mine whether or not such coal mine shares a boundary with the parcel. Such noise being more than: A. 3dB(A) above either: Revenue Policy Part 1 – Rates & Charges 3 • • the project noise trigger level for the mine causing noise affectation, as described in the Noise Policy for Industry (EPA 2017); or the project specific noise level for the mine causing noise affectation, as described in the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (EPA 2000) as is applicable to the nearest mine, at any farm residence; or B. 5dB(A) above either: • • the project noise trigger level for the mine causing noise affectation, as described in the Noise Policy for Industry (EPA 2017); or the project specific noise level for the mine causing noise affectation, as described in the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (EPA 2000) as is applicable to the nearest mine, on any part of the farm. (iii) The parcel’s productive capacity as farmland and/or market value is affected by it being used to satisfy a condition of consent granted in respect of a mine; for example (but not necessarily) as an environmental offset, agricultural offset or aboriginal heritage or cultural offset. Farmland – Irrigable Council determines a sub-category for the category “Farmland” called “Farmland – Irrigable” for each parcel of rateable land valued as one assessment if its dominant use is for farming which: a) is not affected by the economic and/or intensity of land use factors rendering it rateable as “Farmland – Affected by Mining”; and b) cannot be rated as “Farmland – Offset”; and c) has a significant and substantial commercial purpose or character; and d) is engaged in for the purpose of profit on a continuous or repetitive basis (whether or not a profit is actually made); and e) is subject of a water right within the meaning of the Valuation of Land Act 1916; and f) where the assessment or any part of the assessment: (i) is irrigated for any farming purpose; or (ii) has established irrigation reticulation capable of being used for any farming purpose; or (iii) is wholly or partly within 100m of the Hunter River. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | Driven by the community ’s expectations, Council is working with industry and the research sec tor to maximise emerging opportunities and reduce volatility of the resources dominated local economy. Council is fostering the transition towards new industries such as renewable energy, bioresources and intensive smart agriculture | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | 14.1.8 Encourage establishment, participation and maintenance of community gardens | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | 14.1.8 Encourage establishment, participation and maintenance of community gardens | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | 14.1.5 Conduct a community education program to reduce the volume of food and green waste | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | 20.1.10 Implement appropriate studies and planning approvals for Food Organics and Garden Organics management | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | Conduct and report on the outcomes of an education program that facilitates community understanding of food and green waste that diverts waste from landfill | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | ii. Provide report to Council recommending any further actions to be taken in relation to the processing of Food Organics and Garden Organics | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | 24.2.6 Facilitate the registration and inspection of all regulated premises (caravan parks, food outlets, skin penetration premises, hairdressers, mortuaries, air handling systems) in accordance with regulatory requirements to ensure public health and safety is protected | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| Muswellbrook Shire Council Operational Plan | 2019/20 | Report to Council each quarter the number of regulated premises (caravan parks, food outlets, skin penetration, hairdressers, mortuaries, air handling systems) registered and inspected in accordance with relevant legislation and regulations | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | Improve access to fresh, healthy food by increasing the number of healthy food retail opportunities including farmers markets | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | 5.2 Facilitate the delivery of a mix of housing product 5.2.1 Provide the policy framework to facilitate development of a variety of housing products to respond to the forecast demand for an increase in smaller households 5.2.2 Work with partners and advocate for alternative housing models to provide affordable housing options for target population groups 5.2.3 Ensure each neighbourhood is guided by the appropriate policy framework to achieve a mix of different housing styles and sizes appropriate to different stages and circumstances of life | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | 5.3 Ensure residents have access to secure housing 5.3.1 Advocate for improvements to existing public housing stock, including the mixed tenure redevelopment of public housing estates 5.3.2 Support new and existing social housing through partnerships with social housing providers 5.3.3 Consider utilising the future sale of Council-owned assets or air rights to facilitate the development of affordable housing 5.3.4 Advocate for government targets, potentially at a municipal level, for the delivery of affordable and accessible housing as part of new large-scale residential development 5.3.5 Work with partners to address homelessness in Moonee Valley | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | 72. Support integrated development opportunities on underutilised land at Essendon Station that do not present an over-development of the site, ensuring the projects provide community benefit, such as open space, affordable housing, and/or community facilities | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | Our 13 neighbourhoods will be able to accommodate varying degrees of new housing growth depending on a range of factors, including access to public transport, services and open space. We will require a range of housing types, tenures and price points together with rental accommodation for lower-income households, and quality social and public housing. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | TARGET: Housing is appropriate across our city for all stages and circumstances of life | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | Improve access to fresh, healthy food by increasing the number of healthy food retail opportunities including farmers markets | Health and Wellbeing | Encourage opening of new fresh food outlets; discourage unhealthy outlets | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | .5.1 Skill residents, early years services and schools to grow their own food and create climate resilient biodiverse gardens | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | Increase education and awareness of healthy eating and food growing | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | Increase education and awareness of healthy eating and food growing 3 | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | Our neighbourhoods are anchored by a network of community facilities and public spaces which offer opportunities for multi-users. We come together in dynamic community hubs for storytelling, to join local cooking classes, participate in arts and cultural endeavours and engage in civic matters. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | Skill residents, early years services and schools to grow their own food and create climate resilient biodiverse gardens | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | Council is moving to a neighbourhood planning approach for our planning and service delivery. This approach will help us create a more inclusive, vibrant and healthy city. Plan Melbourne 2017-2050 focuses on improving Melbourne’s health and liveability through the creation of 20-minute neighbourhoods. They must: be safe, accessible and well connected for pedestrians and cyclists offer high-quality public realm and open space provide services and destinations that support living locally | Health and Wellbeing | Accessible healthy food retail | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | Council’s move to a neighbourhood service delivery is focused around 13, 20-minute neighbourhoods. This is based on a 20-minute pleasant walk to a range of services and facilities. | Health and Wellbeing | Accessible healthy food retail | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |
| MV2040 STRATEGY | In 2040 Moonee Valley is a great place to live, work and visit, strengthened by a network of 20-minute neighbourhoods. Our neighbourhoods allow all people, at all stages of life, to live locally, accessing most of their needs close to their home. | Health and Wellbeing | Accessible healthy food retail | Victoria | Moonee Valley | Metropolitan |