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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Review of DEDJTR Regional Service Delivery Model and Strategic Directions for Regional Policy Southern Grampians Shire Council, April 2015 | Programs that build the understanding of international opportunities will also contribute to new economic opportunities, particular in the agri-business and manufacturing sectors. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| Review of DEDJTR Regional Service Delivery Model and Strategic Directions for Regional Policy Southern Grampians Shire Council, April 2015 | Recognises and supports the Greater Hamilton region’s importance as an agricultural contributor to Australia’s economy by protecting farmer health and upgrading the Hamilton Livestock Exchange and key freight logistics infrastructure | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| Review of DEDJTR Regional Service Delivery Model and Strategic Directions for Regional Policy Southern Grampians Shire Council, April 2015 | Southern Grampians Shire Council has invested with State Government of Victoria support to map its land capability for different commodities to support a diversification of agricultural crops, providing investors with important information about soil types, rainfall and climate variability. Future consideration of investment in water infrastructure to support this evidence based approach would provide additional opportunities to invest in more labour intensive agricultural activities. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| Review of DEDJTR Regional Service Delivery Model and Strategic Directions for Regional Policy Southern Grampians Shire Council, April 2015 | These strategies are designed to support new business that adds value and create jobs. As a prime agricultural region it is important that the State Government supports local opportunities for food processing, particularly grain and meat processing. Again decentralisation funding that encourages business to set up in rural areas where the food is actually grown will support these aims. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| Review of DEDJTR Regional Service Delivery Model and Strategic Directions for Regional Policy Southern Grampians Shire Council, April 2015 | Southern Grampians Shire Council has invested with State Government of Victoria support to map its land capability for different commodities to support a diversification of agricultural crops, providing investors with important information about soil types, rainfall and climate variability. Future consideration of investment in water infrastructure to support this evidence based approach would provide additional opportunities to invest in more labour intensive agricultural activities. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| Revised Council Plan 2017-2021 | Work with Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water and other partners to plan for and develop the East Grampians water project and agricultural precinct. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Pyrenees | Regional |
| Revised Council Plan 2017-2021 | Build on opportunities for growth in the agriculture sector identified in the Ballarat Region Line of Sight Project, and the Future Landscapes Project. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Pyrenees | Regional |
| Revised Council Plan 2017-2021 | Economic growth projects supported and developed (including East Grampians Water Pipeline, Nectar Farm, Wine and Agriculture sector projects. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Pyrenees | Regional |
| Revised Council Plan 2017-2021 | Industry sector bodies including Pyrenees Grape growers and Wine makers, Visit Ballarat, Victorian Farmers Federation and Cultivate Agriculture | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Pyrenees | Regional |
| Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013 – 2023 | Implement Council’s Waste minimisation strategy actions including garden waste pickup services, organic waste pickup investigations and compost and worm farm purchasing opportunities. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Brimbank | Metropolitan |
| Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013 – 2023 | Increase access to composting and recycling facilities at Council buildings including the use of on-site system’s such as worm farms. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Brimbank | Metropolitan |
| Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013 – 2023 | Increase use of recycling and composting facilities | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Brimbank | Metropolitan |
| Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013 – 2023 | Implement Council’s Waste minimisation strategy actions including garden waste pickup services, organic waste pickup investigations and compost and worm farm purchasing opportunities. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Brimbank | Metropolitan |
| Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013 – 2023 | Increase access to composting and recycling facilities at Council buildings including the use of on-site system’s such as worm farms. Conduct waste audit of Council’s corporate operations to establish up to date emissions baseline and efficiency opportunities. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Brimbank | Metropolitan |
| Revised Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013 – 2023 | Increase use of recycling and composting facilities 6.9 Conduct Waste Audit | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Brimbank | Metropolitan |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | Nammoona Industrial Precinct The Nammoona Industrial Precinct is anticipated to generate employment, business activity and revenue for the local community with the Richmond Valley well placed to strengthen its position as the industry and transport hub of the Northern Rivers. The precinct has been identified as its key industrial expansion zone by Council in the Richmond Valley. Not only do we see multimillion dollar upgrades and expansions across the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange, the Nammoona Waste Facility and the Northern Co-operative Meat Company, the precinct is also home to DTM Timber and Riverina Stock Feeds and Council is actively pursuing new technology investments in the waste-to-energy sector for this precinct. Approximately 60 hectares of vacant industrial land has been zoned suitable for an intermodal facility and distribution centre which Council is keen to see activated. The economic growth of the region is a key objective for the Richmond Valley community and investments of this nature therefore have a high level of priority within Council’s Community Strategic Plan. Opportunities for an intermodal and rail terminal have been clearly identified and investors actively sought. Both projects are continuing to progress. If both projects were to be realised significant employment opportunities and economic benefits to our Council and the region would ensue. This would encourage other industries to consider setting up in or around the precinct, and provide a growth environment where ancillary businesses can benefit from the enhanced economic activity. As a community leader, Council must look to secure its area’s future by providing opportunities for industry growth and employment for generations to come and this precinct is a source of significant optimism in regard to the opportunities it could deliver. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | Facilitated Signature Projects Over the next few years we have other potential projects we will develop and facilitate so we can capitalise on funding opportunities. The Northern Rivers Rail Trail In May 2013, the not for profit community group, Northern Rivers Rail Trail Association Inc, was formed by local philanthropists known as the Sourdough Group, comprising community volunteers, local government councillors and staff and leaders of the tourist industry. The group came together with a common vision to preserve this very valuable community asset, the 130km of disused rail corridor between Murwillumbah and Casino, and converting it to a modern cycle and walking trail through the region’s spectacular landscapes. The Rail Trail will be for the local community to use for getting to school, work and sport, shopping and recreation and by visitors seeking either a new way to experience the region’s scenery, food and culture or a more adventurous experience. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | For the economy, by far our biggest project is to upgrade the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange. We have $7 million for this project, thanks to a $3.5 million grant from the Federal Government, and continue to pursue more funding for the full upgrade estimated at $14 million. This investment will transform our facility to be a world class saleyard and cement our place as the Beef Capital. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | Key Projects • Upgrade of the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | Nammoona Industrial Precinct The Nammoona Industrial Precinct is anticipated to generate employment, business activity and revenue for the local community with the Richmond Valley well placed to strengthen its position as the industry and transport hub of the Northern Rivers. The precinct has been identified as its key industrial expansion zone by Council in the Richmond Valley. Not only do we see multimillion dollar upgrades and expansions across the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange, the Nammoona Waste Facility and the Northern Co-operative Meat Company, the precinct is also home to DTM Timber and Riverina Stock Feeds and Council is actively pursuing new technology investments in the waste-to-energy sector for this precinct. Approximately 60 hectares of vacant industrial land has been zoned suitable for an intermodal facility and distribution centre which Council is keen to see activated. The economic growth of the region is a key objective for the Richmond Valley community and investments of this nature therefore have a high level of priority within Council’s Community Strategic Plan. Opportunities for an intermodal and rail terminal have been clearly identified and investors actively sought. Both projects are continuing to progress. If both projects were to be realised significant employment opportunities and economic benefits to our Council and the region would ensue. This would encourage other industries to consider setting up in or around the precinct, and provide a growth environment where ancillary businesses can benefit from the enhanced economic activity. As a community leader, Council must look to secure its area’s future by providing opportunities for industry growth and employment for generations to come and this precinct is a source of significant optimism in regard to the opportunities it could deliver. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange • Support the beef industry through the sustainable running of the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange • Successful completion of the upgrade project | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | Partner with the State Government to support the local agricultural sector and associated value-adding industries, such as the NSW Sugar Mill and Richmond Dairies at Casino | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | The Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange is financially sustainable | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | Upgrade of the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange The long-awaited multi-million dollar upgrade of the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX) commenced construction in June 2017. Wiley & Co Pty Ltd secured the tender with the innovative proposal that will deliver Council’s requirements of roof structure, gate and pen upgrades, walkways, stormwater management, electrical upgrades, perimeter fencing, security and soft flooring. Council had scope to negotiate with Wiley & Co for further improvements in Stage 1, to utilise the full $7 million budget. Options under consideration included semi-automated drafting, automated gates, power upgrades, improvement of the existing roof, and resolving flooring issues in the post-sale holding yards The improvements will result in the highest animal welfare and work, health and safety standards, thus strengthening the reputation of the NRLX as the number one facility on the North Coast. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | Investigate and support future residential development including affordable housing opportunities | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | Partner with the State Government to protect important farmland at Woodburn, Coraki, Fairy Hill, Casino, Shannonbrook and Leeville, to support the agricultural sector | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | Upgrade of the Jabiru Geneebeinga Wetlands The Jabiru Geneebeinga Wetlands on Queensland Road Casino was developed as a bicentenary project in 1988. The wetlands are in need of renewal and Council will work with interested groups in the community to develop a plan which will enable grant funding to be sought. The opportunity exists for this precinct to become an important regional tourist destination as it also includes the Casino Golf Course and Casino Mini-rail. Richmond Dairies is developing a project in conjunction with Southern Cross University to utilise the land they currently use for grazing to expand the Wetlands and provide improved processes for effluent management, to enhance the existing wetlands. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | • Master Plan for the Jabiru Geneebeinga Wetlands, golf course, mini-rail and Richmond Dairies grazing land precinct | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |
| Richmond Valley Made 2030 Community Strategic Plan | For the economy, by far our biggest project is to upgrade the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange. We have $7 million for this project, thanks to a $3.5 million grant from the Federal Government, and continue to pursue more funding for the full upgrade estimated at $14 million. This investment will transform our facility to be a world class saleyard and cement our place as the Beef Capital. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Richmond Valley | Regional |