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 Zones Review | The following policy statements should be incorporated into Clause 22.05 to improve the guidance provided by this policy. Subdivision in the Farming Zone should generally not create additional lots (i.e. Property restructure should be used in preference); Subdivision in the Farming Zone should be clearly based on an improved productive farming outcome that cannot be achieved with the current lot size; The proposal must provide for ongoing productive, economic agriculture. Information demonstrating the above may be required with a planning permit application, including either; 67 Farm business plan that demonstrates the intended output of the farming enterprise in terms of production and value and long term viability. Whole farm plan that demonstrates the subdivision has been designed with consideration of the land quality and capability of the site and will therefore support enhanced productivity. 10. The policy that provides for smaller lots should be deleted as it has not been used since it was included in the scheme 10 years ago, it is not considered likely that it will be required and it is questionable whether it is actual lawful. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| Rural Zones Review | The industry will not compromise agricultural use of surrounding land; | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| Rural Zones Review | These areas should be subject to a minimum subdivision size of 40ha and be subject to the following purpose statement: To achieve a mix of, tourism and lifestyle uses that complement the biodiversity values of the Kooyoora State Park the Dunolly Inglewood State Forest and vegetated private land and are compatible with agricultural activities in the area. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| Rural Zones Review | To protect and promote agriculture Council will amend subdivision and dwelling controls in response to identified risks of land use change and threats to “right to farm”. Subdivision sizes for irrigated land in the GMID irrigation area will be increased in response to farm size trends. A review of land use and development has identified that current policy is not adequate to prevent non-farm housing. The lot size over which a permit is not required for a dwelling in the Farming zone is to be increased and information requirements amended to ensure better scrutiny of proposals for establishment of dwellings in these areas. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| Rural Zones Review | Loddon Shire Council has a clear position of supporting and promoting the growth of population and its agricultural sector. Agriculture is the basis of the economy and agricultural land is a key asset of the Shire. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| Rural Zones Review | protect the ongoing ability of farms to expand and operate relatively unhindered to maintain viability, | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| Rural Zones Review | The following policy statements are recommended to be included in Clause 22.05: – Council will support the construction of a dwelling on land zoned Farming where it can be demonstrated that the construction of the dwelling is required to enhance the agricultural output of the land and that the dwelling is and is likely to remain ancillary to the farming use of the property. – The agricultural use of the land that the new dwelling is required to support must be established prior to construction of the dwelling. – An application for a new dwelling in the Farming Zone will be advertised to surrounding land owners / occupiers. – Council may require the following information to support an application for a new dwelling where a new farm business is proposed: o A farm business plan that shows: – why there is a need to live on site and how that would enhance agricultural use – the investment into agriculture on the property – the estimated return from the agricultural pursuit – the amount of land to be engaged in farming, and – the estimated production from the property; or o A whole farm plan that shows; – the layout of agricultural uses on the property to demonstrate that the majority of the property is used for farming. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| Rural Zones Review | The planning scheme must support the unhindered operation and growth of farm businesses. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| Rural Zones Review | To protect and promote agriculture Council will amend subdivision and dwelling controls in response to identified risks of land use change and threats to “right to farm”. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| SALEYARD POLICY | Objective: To provide clear instructions to both Council and hirers of Jerilderie Saleyards Facility, ensuring efficient and safe operation of the facilities. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Murrumbidgee | Regional |
| SALEYARD POLICY | Objective: To provide clear instructions to both Council and hirers of Jerilderie Saleyards Facility, ensuring efficient and safe operation of the facilities. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Murrumbidgee | Regional |
| Saleyards Biosecurity Plan | This Saleyards Planning Framework is designed to provide a plan to manage Council’s Saleyards, including establishment of a framework to guide planning, construction, operation, maintenance, renewal and replacement of infrastructure essential for the Tenterfield Shire Council to provide services to the community. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Tenterfield | Regional |
| Saleyards Biosecurity Plan | This Plan covers the actions and responsibilities at the Tenterfield Saleyards and Agents to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, invasive pest or weeds, whilst providing recommended practices and what tools or resources are needed. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Tenterfield | Regional |
| Saleyards Biosecurity Plan | This Saleyards Planning Framework is designed to provide a plan to manage Council’s Saleyards, including establishment of a framework to guide planning, construction, operation, maintenance, renewal and replacement of infrastructure essential for the Tenterfield Shire Council to provide services to the community. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Tenterfield | Regional |
| SCORES ON DOORS POLICY | 2. POLICY OBJECTIVE This Policy aims to: raise the standard of food safety and hygiene within the retail food business sector, reward food businesses who are achieving a high standard of food safety and hygiene, promote consumer trust in food businesses and to further the reputation and economy of food businesses in Broken Hill, encourage participating food businesses to strive towards achieving higher standards of food safety and hygiene, and ensure transparency through proactive communication with participating businesses. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Broken Hill | Regional |
| Scores on Doors Policy | 2. AIMS OF POLICY This policy is designed to detail how Scores on Doors will work. It outlines the requirements of the Scheme in relation to food businesses and Council. The policy also provides consumers with an understanding of the workings of the Scores on Doors Scheme. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Glen Innes Severn | Regional |
| Seasonal Allocation of Sporting Facilities CONDITIONS OF USE | Temporary Food Premise permits are required for one off events or fund raising barbeques/food stalls, where the Tenant is not already registered with Council. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Seasonal Allocation of Sporting Facilities CONDITIONS OF USE | The Food Act 1994 requires that all Tenants that sell food must be registered with Council. The registration requires a Food Safety Program and Food Safety Supervisor. Council offers the appropriate training to community groups. Tenants must register annually and registration forms are sent out in November each year. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Seasonal Allocation of Sporting Facilities CONDITIONS OF USE | The Tenant must maintain food handling, storage and preparation areas in a clean and hygienic state and implement a regular program which ensures that contact surfaces, appliances, equipment, floors and non contact surfaces are regularly cleaned. Storage, handling, preparation and sale of food must comply with the Food Act requirements and any other conditions prescribed by Council’s Health and Local Laws Unit. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Securing the Future Responding to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity | Promote use of local / regional food produce in local business outlets | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Securing the Future Responding to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity | Continue to promote farmers’ markets, fresh produce markets and food swaps in Manningham | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Securing the Future Responding to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity | Facilitate local connections and social inclusion eg by fostering farmers’ markets, community gardens, clothing & food swaps and other community based initiatives | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Securing the Future Responding to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity | Food: − Locally or home grown and prepared − More farmers’ markets and food swaps − Less food miles − Reduced meat in diets | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Securing the Future Responding to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity | Our communities are energised, well resourced and sustainable, providing all the relevant services and facilities we need within reach. All community members have equal access to vital services that meet their needs. We envision a self‚Äêsufficient collection of communities, where local resources and local food production are supported. Our distinct local villages and activity centres are cherished and cultivated, retaining their charm while supporting businesses and traders to build a resilient local economy. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Securing the Future Responding to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity | Provide support for heritage aspects of and new opportunities for agribusiness in the Green Wedge while protecting agriculturally productive land for food production | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Securing the Future Responding to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity | Continue to support regional alliances that facilitate peer learning, connection, integration, transition and innovation such as: − Northern Alliance for Greenhouse Action − Metropolitan Waste Management Group Forum − MAV Councils and Community in Transition (CaCiT) − Water Sensitive Cities − Middle Yarra Land Management − Eastern Transport Coalition (ETC) − Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF) − Regional Development Australia – Melbourne East (RDA-ME) − Eastern Affordable Housing Alliance (EAHA) | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Securing the Future Responding to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity | Identify and deliver pilot projects that provide the conditions to enable a diverse range of affordable and accessible housing options to accommodate the changing needs of our community while transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient future | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Securing the Future Responding to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity | Continue to monitor work-related health issues noting any trends related to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity impacts such as stress, nutrition, loss of staff, injuries due to increased work demands Develop a food security plan to ensure council can continue to deliver services eg Meals on Wheels, internal catering and viability of Function Centre, particularly in the event of a sudden disruption to food supply and/or food shortages | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Securing the Future Responding to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity | Plan Description Manningham food security plan Action Investigate the development of a Manningham Food Security Plan to ensure the community has access to a reliable, affordable and nutritious food supply; Give consideration to resources required, methods and advantages, if any, to investigate and develop: − an understanding of the local food supply and factors influencing food security including access, population groups and their behaviours, cost and geographic areas; − risks to vulnerable communities, clients and services delivered by Aged and Disability Services and Social and Community Services 5.1 − Food Sensitive Planning and Urban Design(FSPUD) for Manningham: how it might be included in the Local Planning Scheme; report on the findings − provision of fresh food shops in all shopping areas across the municipality to provide access to fresh food for all, and to reduce private cars trips − alternative patterns of urbanisation that deliver improved sustainability and resilience outcomes eg higher densities combined with open space suitable for urban food production such as the Greening the Greyfields model (Newton and Newman) − encourage and support the community to establish grass roots initiatives such as food forests, and to participate in community farm gardening in consultation with council | Health and Wellbeing | Encourage opening of new fresh food outlets; discourage unhealthy outlets | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Securing the Future Responding to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity | Continue to support the MAV Council and Communities in Transition (CACiT) program by encouraging and supporting formation of grass roots initiatives such as Sustainability Streets, Transition Towns, and Backyard PermaBlitz so as to foster the growth of resilient households and neighbourhoods. Appoint a program officer – 2 days per week. It is believed that by funding this position Council and community will be able to attract an equivalent amount of funding to progress resilient communities Continue to design and deliver programs that facilitate strong, informed, capable, self reliant, connected and willing communities especially in response to climate change, peak oil and food scarcity. Support neighbourhood houses and their relevant programs | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |