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 Lands Strategy | 3.3. On farm trials To allow for innovation and change. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Actions Action 2.1. “Open” zones Allow for all rural zones to be “open” meaning that “any development not specified in item 2 or 4” be listed under item 3 “permissible with consent” to allow for innovation and flexible land use. Action 2.2. Miscellaneous permissible uses Ensure that controls under Clause 5.4 of the LEP be realistic and unencumbering on development and use of site. Action 2.3. Development control plan (DCP) Create a specific subsection of the DCP under business and industrial development which deals with agritourism and artisan food businesses. Action 2.4. Fact sheets and start up packs Create a series of fact sheets on agritourism and regional food development. Couple this with development packs which contain all council forms and other agency contacts for a business to get started. Action 2.5. Aboriginal heritage and culture Undertake an Aboriginal heritage and cultural study to better understand the needs and opportunities of indigenous people and place as well as identifying opportunities for education and tourism. 23 Action 2.6. Active transport strategy Undertake an active transport strategy that addresses rural links, particularly for cycling and horse riding using paper road reserves and former railway corridors. Action 2.7. Coolac Agritourism hotspot “Coolac” be master planned and serviced with water to allow for development and growth focused on providing produce direct to consumers and suppliers along the Hume Highway. Coolac can also be a staging pointing for recreational trails utilising former railway corridors. Action 2.8. Employment and training Support the implementation of the South West Slopes Regional Economic Development Strategy 2018-2022. Council to sponsor and partner with education providers to run short courses in agriculture and permaculture to capitalise on the “experience economy”. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | 4.5. Agribusiness opportunities in industrial areas Achieve consistency between the LEPs of former Cootamundra and Gundagai Shires as well as allowing for development to occur on land as appropriate. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Agritourism is an industry Council seeks to encourage not just because of the positive economic impacts of such development, but also because it provides an alternate source of income which improves the financial resilience of holdings and the community in challenging conditions. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | 5.6. Improve water quality Ensure that water is managed appropriately. Ongoing Improve the quality of stormwater by reducing reliance on chemicals, reduce nutrient run off, erosion and loss of top soil through increased tree canopy across the LGA through a tree canopy plan. 5.7. Tree canopy To address climate risk and improve resilience of agricultural land. Long term Set a realistic target for total tree canopy for the LGA and set about implementing this in the next 30 years with a tree canopy plan. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Direction Two: Grow Agritourism | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 1.4. Agricultural subdivision Subdivision and boundary realignments below the minimum lot size for agricultural purposes continue. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Grow Agritourism Action Need 2.1. “Open” zones Achieve consistency between the LEPs of former Cootamundra and Gundagai Shires as well as allowing for development to occur on land as appropriate. 2.2. Miscellaneous permissible uses Achieve consistency between the LEPs of former Cootamundra and Gundagai Shires as well as allowing for development to occur on land as appropriate. 2.3. Development control plan (DCP) 2.4. Fact sheets and start up packs Ensure that development assessment standards are consistent across the LGA. Clarify the development process and provide guidance. 2.5. Aboriginal heritage and culture Better understanding of the first people and how they interacted with the land as well as preserving artefacts and storylines through education and information. 2.6. Active transport strategy Achieve better connections with towns and villages as well as Timeframe Outcome Short term Allow for all rural zones to be “open” meaning that “any development not specified in item 2 or 4” be listed under item 3 “permissible with consent” to allow for innovation and flexible land use. Short term Ensure that controls under Clause 5.4 of the LEP be realistic and unencumbering on development and use of site. Short term Create a specific subsection of the DCP under business and industrial development which deals with agritourism and artisan food businesses. Ongoing Create a series of fact sheets on agritourism and regional food development. Couple this with development packs which contain all council forms and other agency contacts for a business to get started. Medium term Undertake an Aboriginal heritage and cultural study to better understand the needs and opportunities of indigenous people and place as well as identifying opportunities for education and tourism. Medium term Undertake an active transport strategy that addresses rural links, particularly for cycling and 41 fostering a recreational tourism industry. horse riding using paper road reserves and former railway corridors. 2.7. Coolac • Grow and promote Coolac as a major highway service hub. • Ensure that Council and developers are investing in the most cost efficient and value for money way. 2.8. Employment and training Consistency between Council and State plans. Ongoing Medium – long term Agritourism hotspot “Coolac” be master planned and serviced with water to allow for development and growth focused on providing produce direct to consumers and suppliers along the Hume Highway. Coolac can also be a staging pointing for recreational trails utilising former railway corridors. Support the implementation of the South West Slopes Regional Economic Development Strategy 2018-2022. Council to sponsor and partner with education providers to run short courses in agriculture and permaculture to capitalise on the “experience economy”. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 1.5. Land use conflict and biosecurity Setbacks for built structures and intensive agriculture development must achieve a minimum setback of 100m from a boundary under different ownership or provide mitigating solutions to reduce the impact on neighbours. Where such land adjoins RU4, RU5 or R5 zoned land that setback shall be increased to 500m. Land adjoining rural zones have setback requirements for buildings and strict controls requiring clearance areas for weeds and other pests. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | 1.2. “Dwelling entitlements” Clarification for land holders and consistency between the LEPs of former Cootamundra and Gundagai Shires. 1.3. Dual occupancies Alternate solution for farm succession planning rather than fragmenting existing holdings. 1.4. Agricultural subdivision To allow for flexibility for land owners to expand and contract holdings when required. Short term Part 4 of the proposed CGRC LEP clearly articulate permissibility and circumstances for dwelling approvals on rural land. Ongoing Dual occupancies (detached) be permissible as an alternate solution for succession planning and family farm enterprises. Ongoing Subdivision and boundary realignments below the minimum lot sizes for agricultural purposes continue. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 1.6. Innovation and enterprise support Encouragement of holdings to diversify income streams to better cope with changing social, economic and climatic conditions. An ability to undertake multiple land uses on the same holding be supported in the DCP and through Council Policy. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | 1.6. Innovation and enterprise support Ensure that our agricultural holdings and enterprises are as resilient as possible. Ongoing Encouragement of holdings to diversify income streams to better cope with changing social, economic and climatic conditions including an ability to undertake multiple land uses on the same holding be supported in the DCP and through Council policy. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 3.3. On farm trials Allow for trials of small scale agriculture without development consent provided environmental and amenity impacts do not give rise for concern for Council and other agencies. The scale and timeframe must also be agreed to in writing. These uses and circumstances would need to be listed in Schedule 2 of the LEP. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | 3.3. On farm trials To allow for innovation and change. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 5.2. Regularly reviewed legislation and policy The LEP and DCP is reviewed every five years as a minimum. Policies and fact sheets are reviewed every two years as a minimum. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | 4.5. Agribusiness opportunities in industrial areas Achieve consistency between the LEPs of former Cootamundra and Gundagai Shires as well as allowing for development to occur on land as appropriate. On | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 5.3. Education and compliance Education of the community regarding Council’s responsibilities and the responsibilities of land owners is targeted through social media, print, radio and Council’s website. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 1.2. “Dwelling entitlements” Part 4 of the proposed CGRC LEP clearly articulate permissibility and circumstances for dwelling approvals on rural land. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 5.4. Unified approach Council, Department of Primary Industries, Office of Environment and Heritage (Environment) and Local Land Services create a working group which discusses matters relevant to the rural environment of CGRC and proposes actions for each organisation to implement or investigate. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 1.3. Dual occupancies Dual occupancies (detached) be permissible as an alternate solution for succession planning and family farm enterprises. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 5.5. Regenerative farming encouraged Regenerative farming encouraged through community education online and in newsletters as well as minimisation of red tape for major regeneration works with delays to integrated development along waterways minimised via representation through the working group proposed in Action 5.4. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 1.6. Innovation and enterprise support Encouragement of holdings to diversify income streams to better cope with changing social, economic and climatic conditions. An ability to undertake multiple land uses on the same holding be supported in the DCP and through Council Policy. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 5.6. Improve water quality Improve the quality of stormwater by reducing reliance on chemicals, reduce nutrient run off, erosion and loss of top soil through increased tree canopy across the LGA through a tree canopy plan. Action 5.7. Tree canopy Set a realistic target for total tree canopy for the LGA and set about implementing this is the next 30 years with an adopted tree canopy plan. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 3.3. On farm trials Allow for trials of small scale agriculture without development consent provided environmental and amenity impacts do not give rise for concern for Council and other agencies. The scale and timeframe must also be agreed to in writing. These uses and circumstances would need to be listed in Schedule 2 of the LEP. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Actions Action 1.1. Minimum lot sizes Minimum lot sizes, zoning and associated land uses be implemented in accordance with identified agricultural land value. This includes the introduction of other Rural and Environmental Zones aside from Primary Production to cater for lands with scenic and environmental values. Measures to provide consistent minimum lot sizes of 40ha across the LGA are to be supported. Provision of lot sizes that provide maximum opportunity for niche produce and value-add enterprises supported by marketing and branding. Small boutique, intensive and niche farming enterprises are encouraged and supported by appropriate minimum lot sizes based 17 upon the capability of the land on which they are located and the services required. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Action 4.5. Agribusiness opportunities in industrial areas Ensure that all industrial zones are open and allow for agribusiness to develop | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Actions Action 5.1. Transparent decision making Information on legislation and legislative process is readily and easily available to the general public. Plain English fact sheets and opportunities to meet with Council staff are available. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Short term Allow for trials of small scale agriculture without development consent provided it is not of concern to Council and other agencies. The scale and timeframe must also be agreed to in writing. Some uses and circumstance should be listed in Schedule 2 of the LEP. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Council has a Bio Security Officer who looks at weed and pest control by enforcing State and Local legislation. Through the DCP and other policy documents, Council could mitigate the spread of weeds by mandating better fencing and clearance areas during the development stage, and producing fact sheets and other guidance material on how and when to clear weeds and options such as using certain animals to target problem areas. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |
| Rural Lands Strategy | Short term Ensure that all industrial zones are open and allow for agribusiness to develop. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Cootamundra-Gundagai | Regional |