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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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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RURAL COMMUNITIES STRATEGY | The Bendigo Livestock Exchange is located 12 kilometres north of Bendigo and is one of the largest sheep and lamb sales centres in Victoria. Annually, 1.2M sheep and lambs are sold – a quarter of the state’s throughput – together with 15,000 cattle, and 2,500 pigs. This throughput represents a sales value estimated to be $160M to the economy. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Greater Bendigo | Regional |
| Rural Land Management Program Policy | Council has a RLMP that provides financial incentives for rural land owners to undertake specific works that will improve sustainable agricultural opportunities and protect and enrich the natural environment. The rebate is based on an amount per hectare determined by Council on an annual basis (through its annual budget process) multiplied by the area of the agricultural land. The rebate will be available to all eligible ratepayers who carry out land management works on their property in accordance with this Policy and the Guidelines for Implementation. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| Rural Land Management Program Policy | Land management works that qualify for the rebate An application for the RLMP can only be made in accordance with the following: by a landowner/ ratepayer; and be for rural land located in the Bass Coast Shire of four hectares or more and zoned ‘Farming’ or ‘Rural Living’ under the Bass Coast Planning Scheme; or four hectares or more and satisfying paragraphs (b) and (c) of the definition of ‘Farmland’ in Section 2 (I) of the Valuation of Land Act 1960. Application and Works Completed Forms To receive the RLMP an electronic application and Works Completed Form must be completed and submitted each year. Contingencies will be in place for property owners unable to access online resources. Inspections Council will inspect and audit a number of properties selected at random to check that the approved and agreed works shown on the application and Works Completed Form have been completed to a satisfactory standard. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| Rural Land Management Program Policy | The objectives of this Policy are to: provide the operational and legal framework within which Council can recognise and reward landholders that adopt land management principles to improve sustainable agricultural opportunities and protect and enrich the natural environment. establish the eligibility criteria for payment of the RLMP. set out clear accountability processes for the payment of any rebate. establish mechanisms for community input into the setting of priorities for land management works each year. Legislative framework The Rural Land Management Rebate is in accordance with Section 169 of the Local Government Act 1989 where Bass Coast Shire Council will grant a rebate to ratepayers occupying properties greater than four hectares where those ratepayers are effectively contributing to the well-being of the land and water resources. The program is governed by the Rural Land Management Program Policy and Rural Land Management Program Guidelines for Implementation. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| Rural Land Management Program Policy | The relevant objectives and strategies in the Planning Scheme are: Objective 1 Strategy 1.1 Strategy 1.2 Strategy 1.3 To establish a strong and vibrant rural agricultural community comprising a range of diversified enterprises that is efficiently managed and ecologically sustainable. Diversification of agricultural practices including introduction of new crops and animals, use of energy efficient technology, and ecologically sustainable farming techniques will be encouraged. Strongly encourage farmers to prepare and implement Farm Management Plans for their properties, particularly as part of a planning permit application for a change in land use or development. Encourage the planting of locally indigenous vegetation to provide shelter for livestock, minimise soil erosion and salinity, enhance landscape quality, and provide further opportunities for wildlife corridors. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| Rural Land Management Program Policy | The Rural Land Management Program (RLMP) is a component of the Land Management Biodiversity Incentive Program (LMBIS). The RLMP is focused on providing an incentive to better target land management works being carried out on ground. The program aims to recognise and reward landholders who adopt principles that enrich the natural environment and improve sustainable agriculture. Some of these improvements include: weed control and eradication protection/enhancement of remnant vegetation control and reversal of soil erosion protection of waterways and revegetation pest animal control control and reversal of soil salinity | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| Rural Land Management Program Policy | Council has a RLMP that provides financial incentives for rural land owners to undertake specific works that will improve sustainable agricultural opportunities and protect and enrich the natural environment. The rebate is based on an amount per hectare determined by Council on an annual basis (through its annual budget process) multiplied by the area of the agricultural land. The rebate will be available to all eligible ratepayers who carry out land management works on their property in accordance with this Policy and the Guidelines for Implementation. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| Rural Land Management Program Policy | Land management works that qualify for the rebate An application for the RLMP can only be made in accordance with the following:  by a landowner/ ratepayer; and  be for rural land located in the Bass Coast Shire of four hectares or more and zoned ‘Farming’ or ‘Rural Living’ under the Bass Coast Planning Scheme; or  four hectares or more and satisfying paragraphs (b) and (c) of the definition of ‘Farmland’ in Section 2 (I) of the Valuation of Land Act 1960. Application and Works Completed Forms To receive the RLMP an electronic application and Works Completed Form must be completed and submitted each year. Contingencies will be in place for property owners unable to access online resources. Inspections Council will inspect and audit a number of properties selected at random to check that the approved and agreed works shown on the application and Works Completed Form have been completed to a satisfactory standard. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| Rural Land Management Program Policy | The objectives of this Policy are to:  provide the operational and legal framework within which Council can recognise and reward landholders that adopt land management principles to improve sustainable agricultural opportunities and protect and enrich the natural environment.  establish the eligibility criteria for payment of the RLMP.  set out clear accountability processes for the payment of any rebate.  establish mechanisms for community input into the setting of priorities for land management works each year. Legislative framework The Rural Land Management Rebate is in accordance with Section 169 of the Local Government Act 1989 where Bass Coast Shire Council will grant a rebate to ratepayers occupying properties greater than four hectares where those ratepayers are effectively contributing to the well-being of the land and water resources. The program is governed by the Rural Land Management Program Policy and Rural Land Management Program Guidelines for Implementation. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| Rural Land Management Program Policy | The Rural Land Management Program (RLMP) is a component of the Land Management Biodiversity Incentive Program (LMBIS). The RLMP is focused on providing an incentive to better target land management works being carried out on ground. The program aims to recognise and reward landholders who adopt principles that enrich the natural environment and improve sustainable agriculture. Some of these improvements include:  weed control and eradication  protection/enhancement of remnant vegetation  control and reversal of soil erosion  protection of waterways and revegetation  pest animal control  control and reversal of soil salinity | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| Rural Land Management Program Policy | To establish a strong and vibrant rural agricultural community comprising a range of diversified enterprises that is efficiently managed and ecologically sustainable. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Bass Coast | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | The Recommended Strategic Directions The Geelong Rural Land Strategy sets out a long term vision for the City’s rural areas that Reinforces a rural – farmed landscape beyond the urban areas Continues to protect and provide opportunities for productive agriculture Enhances the condition of the environment and the natural resource base, and Contributes to the ongoing economic prosperity and quality lifestyle of the region | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | The strategy highlights the significance of the farming landscape, and seeks to ensure that agriculture and other land uses operate in this context. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | The strategy proposes that opportunities for some growth of Anakie township should be investigated, but any growth should be carefully planned so as to preserve the small town character, protect adjoining productive agricultural properties and manage environmental values and issues, in particular wildfire. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | The strategy proposes that the western and southern peripheral rural areas of the City should be maintained as farmed landscapes so as to continue to support agriculture, environmental management and to provide a non-urban break and rural setting for the City. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | The strategy proposes that there is a continuing future for farming and agriculture in the rural areas of Geelong | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | These forms of development should only be supported in Greater Geelong’s rural areas, and the RAZ used where; There is a regionally demonstrated demand for such a facility; The land use is compatible with the use of adjoining and surrounding land for farming (generally cropping and grazing); The facility is consistent with the Rural Land Use Strategy; The facility is unsuited to an urban area; The facility builds on local attractions; The development will not compromise the rural farming landscape qualities and environmental features and constraints of the area. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | This strategy proposes that there is a continuing future for farming and agriculture in the rural areas of Geelong, but it will be in a changing form from what has been traditionally known. In the future there is likely to be even fewer farms where the family is supported soley or mainly by agriculture. This does not necessarily mean there will be less land farmed or fewer farms. Many properties, even relatively small holdings, can and should still be productively farmed either by the landowner or another land owner as a part of a larger enterprise where land is leased or managed. These ongoing opportunities for agriculture are important in terms of the future economy, character and livability of the City. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | To provide for agricultural use consistent with the conservation of environmental and landscape values of the area. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | Working with the Council, the communities on the Bellarine Peninsula have developed a strategic plan that seeks to retain farming and the distinct rural breaks between townships and protect the environmental values of the Peninsula. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | The northern areas of the City comprise landscapes used for cropping, grazing and viticulture. The strategy proposes that this area should be maintained in agricultural use, and opportunities for the use of reclaimed water around Balliang should be protected. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | 11.2.3 Intensive animal husbandry There are limited opportunities for intensive animal industries (eg poultry, piggeries) within Geelong due to the density of housing in most rural areas, and the high value placed on the quality of the amenity of the rural areas. Although Geelong does include a number of animal processing facilities in the region, it does not have any other particular qualities that highlight its particular value for intensive animal industries. The need for such facilities to be located in the City to contribute to the local economy is also not high. The sheds associated with intensive animal industries are also likely to compromise the landscape qualities of the area. Relevant Codes of Practice for such industries will influence appropriate locations and determine acceptable buffers. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | Enabling intensive animal agriculture | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | Intensive animal industries and other shed based agriculture should be carefully located so that rural and scenic non urban landscapes are preserved. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | Intensive animal industries and other shed based agriculture should be carefully located so that rural and scenic non urban landscapes are preserved. Agriculture should not compromise the condition of the natural resource base. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | rural land will primarily be used for growing produce and raising stock | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | The northern areas of the City comprise landscapes used for cropping, grazing and viticulture. The strategy proposes that this area should be maintained in agricultural use, and opportunities for the use of reclaimed water around Balliang should be protected. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | CSIRO – Geelong: Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) The Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) is a major facility of CSIRO Livestock Industries and plays a vital role in maintaining Australia's capability to quickly diagnose exotic (foreign) and emerging animal diseases. This facility provides employment in the vicinity of 230 EFT. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | The land use is compatible with the use of adjoining and surrounding land for farming (generally cropping and grazing); | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |
| RURAL LAND USE STRATEGY | 11.3.5 Farmers Markets Farmers markets provide the opportunity for local product to be marketed locally. The ability to promote and sell local product would support the ongoing use of rural land for agriculture. Farmers markets within the Greater Geelong area should be supported. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Greater Geelong | Regional |