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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAINWATER STORAGE FOR DOMESTIC USE – NON URBAN AREAS | That the use of bore water shall be restricted to the following purposes: Watering of gardens. Flushing of toilets. Stock purposes. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | NSW | Lithgow | Regional |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Use planning policy to encourage existing horticultural and agricultural industries to pursue value-add opportunities including farm-stays and pick-your-own, on-site restaurants, wellness retreats, etc.. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Encourage and advocate for the expansion of horticultural activities in the Green Wedge by working with existing agricultural/ horticultural operations to ensure their needs are met. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Encourage continued investment into cottage industries, market gardens and potential tourism attractions. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Undertake an agriculture and horticulture viability study to determine highest and best uses for agricultural land in the green wedge. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | 10. Consult with water authorities and land owners to ensure that stormwater run-off from agricultural and horticultural activities does not adversely impact waterways | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | 3.5 Existing Land Uses Existing land uses in the Frankston Green wedge are varied and include both the typical ‘green’ uses and other more employment based or ‘brown’ uses including: • Conservation reserves and habitat linkages • • • • Passive recreation (walking, cycling tracks) Active recreation (Sporting fields, dog parks, golf courses, tennis courts) Agriculture; including grazing, hobby farming, nurseries, cut flowers, etc.) Art/Sculpture parks • Wedding/events centres • Quarries • Waste Transfer Station and landfill • • • Schools Hospitals Abattoir | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Be mindful of the competing interests of residential growth and landscape protection when assessing planning permit applications, and applications for subdivision in green wedge areas. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Horticultural land should be prioritised over grazing land in the green wedge as it contributes to the food security of Melbourne and is ideally located next to the Eastern Treatment Plant which ensures that these areas will have adequate water provision. Locating these uses in the green wedge also ensures that less food miles are used to transport produce to market, and that the produce is as fresh as possible. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | In the Frankston Green Wedge Agriculture and Horticulture comprises 2.8% of lots and 15.9% of land area. It is important to recognise this difference between agricultural grazing land and productive horticultural land in the green wedge areas. Agricultural grazing land supports livestock or crops and does not have any major restrictions for productivity as long as water and feed are available. Horticultural land is primarily used for used for the cultivation of gardens, orchards, or the raising of fruit or nuts, vegetables, flowers or ornamental plants. Horticultural land is generally more valuable than agricultural grazing land as it requires access to water and nutrient rich soils, it can also support more intensive production of food and is an integral aspect of food security for the greater Melbourne area. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Investigate means to protect agricultural and horticultural land and minimise the potential for land use conflicts when assessing planning permits in sensitive areas. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Retention and enhancement of habitat within agricultural and horticultural areas. – | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Undertake an agriculture and horticulture viability study to determine highest and best uses for agricultural land in the green wedge. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Work with the State Government on the Strategic Agricultural Land Study to identify strategic agricultural and horticultural land in the green wedge. Ensure that the terminology around ‘Agriculture’ and ‘Horticulture’ is well defined. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Horticultural land should be prioritised over grazing land in the green wedge as it contributes to the food security of Melbourne and is ideally located next to the Eastern Treatment Plant which ensures that these areas will have adequate water provision. Locating these uses in the green wedge also ensures that less food miles are used to transport produce to market, and that the produce is as fresh as possible. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | 3.5 Existing Land Uses Existing land uses in the Frankston Green wedge are varied and include both the typical ‘green’ uses and other more employment based or ‘brown’ uses including: • Conservation reserves and habitat linkages • • • • Passive recreation (walking, cycling tracks) Active recreation (Sporting fields, dog parks, golf courses, tennis courts) Agriculture; including grazing, hobby farming, nurseries, cut flowers, etc.) Art/Sculpture parks • Wedding/events centres • Quarries • Waste Transfer Station and landfill • • • Schools Hospitals Abattoir | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Horticultural land should be prioritised over grazing land in the green wedge as it contributes to the food security of Melbourne and is ideally located next to the Eastern Treatment Plant which ensures that these areas will have adequate water provision. Locating these uses in the green wedge also ensures that less food miles are used to transport produce to market, and that the produce is as fresh as possible. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT PLAN bmitted to Frankston City Council October 2019 Submitted to Frankston City Council 14 October 2019 FRANKSTON GREEN WEDGE MANAGEMENT | Plan for the impacts of climate change on the green wedge, particularly with regard to food security and biodiversity. | Sustainability and Environment | Food supply and food system resilience | Victoria | Frankston | Metropolitan |
| RATES AND CHARGES | A ratepayer may apply to Council for an exemption from the payment of the municipal charge if: a. the exemption is claimed on farm land; and b. c. d. the rateable land forms part of a single farm enterprise; | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Campaspe | Regional |
| RATING STRATEGY | Council applies the following differential rates: General Rate Farm Rate Derelict Properties | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Latrobe | Regional |
| Rating – Farmland Policy | 5 Reason Whilst “Farmland” rating is determined on the basis of each separately valued assessment in accordance with the Local Government Act Council resolved that it is reasonable and fair to apply this rating in instances where a farm comprising several separately rated assessments in assess of 40 hectares are run as a single enterprise | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cabonne | Regional |
| Rating and Service Charges Strategy | Differential rates as a percentage: Residential and Rural Building (Base Rate) 100% Residential and Rural Vacant Farm Building Farm Vacant Commercial and Industrial Building Commercial and Industrial Vacant Cultural and Recreational 200% 100% 100% 140% 200% 97% | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Moira | Regional |
| RATing STRATEGY | Develops a Business Attraction & Incentives Policy which addresses opportunities in the Commercial, Industrial and agricultural sectors. The Business Attraction & Incentives Policy should address the challenges for the agricultural sector in attracting and retaining young farmers and attracting new farmers across the municipality. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Wangaratta | Regional |
| Rating Strategy | 2. Farm Land at a discount of 10% to the general rate; and | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| Rating Strategy | • • o o | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Corangamite | Regional |
| Rating Strategy | That Wellington Shire Council continues to apply a differential rate to farms as defined by the Valuation of Land Act 1960, and that the definition for rating purposes be amended as follows: Farm Land – means any land that: Is “Farm Land” within the meaning of Section 2(1) of the Valuation of Land Act 1960 (paras a) and b)) and other criteria as defined by Council in c) hereunder: 8. What differential rates should be applied 1. not less than 2 hectares in area; and 2. that is used primarily for grazing (including agistment), dairying, pig farming, poultry farming, fish farming, tree farming, bee keeping, viticulture, horticulture, fruit growing or the growing of crops of any kind or for any combination of those activities; and 3. where the ratepayer is a Primary Producer as per intent and a commercial business plan. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Wellington | Regional |
| Rating Strategy | The rate relativities and share of rate revenues is summarised below: Differentials Houses, flats etc Commercial Industrial Vacant Land – Less than 2 ha (Rural/Res) Vacant Land – other than farms Farms (all types) Discount Schemes Cultural & Recreational Land Municipal Charge 100% 100% 100% 80% 50% Nil $0.004228 $0.004228 $0.004228 320% (or 400% of lowest differential) $0.013530 230% (or 300% of lowest differential) $0.010147 $0.003382 $0.002114 $0.00 | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Pyrenees | Regional |
| RATING STRATEGY | Farm land rates Principle 2: A differential determined to achieve the 60/40 which may be a higher or lower percentage than the general rate will be available for eligible dryland and irrigated properties. Council believes a differential rate based on the 60/40 split will ensure that an equitable distribution of costs based on services provided is achieved. For a definition of which dryland and irrigated properties are eligible for this differential, please refer to page 5. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |
| RATING STRATEGY | Farmland Rate Applies to land with an area greater than 2ha that undertakes a farming activity. An Application for Classification of Rateable Property as Farmland must be completed and verified. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Mansfield | Regional |
| Rating Strategy | Farm (dryland) rates at 76% of the General rate Farm (irrigated land) rates at 76% of the General rate | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Mildura | Regional |