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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Startup Action Plan 2017–2021 A Prosperous City | Food and hospitality: Melbourne’s ‘foodie’ assets and capabilities are fuelling a wave of food, social food and logistics sector participants such as SproutX, Simplot’s Slingshot Food Accelerator, City of Melbourne’s Local Food Launchpad, Vinomofo, your grocer and the Social Food Project. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Startup Action Plan 2017–2021 A Prosperous City | The second Launchpad in 2016 looked at ways to increase food production in the City of Melbourne with 11 participants planning to startup social enterprises, workshop programs, mini-documentaries, food promotion campaigns, community growing projects and small-scale farming enterprises. As part of the program, participants’ ideas are developed to a stage where they can articulate the problem they are trying to solve, have a clear understanding of their target market and can create a financially viable food initiative. The Launchpad culminates in a ‘pitch night’ where participants sell their ideas to potential funders, partners and the general public. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Startup Action Plan 2017–2021 A Prosperous City | City of Melbourne Small Business Grants, Local Food Launchpad, Creative Spaces, The Guild, Queen Victoria Market (QVM), Melbourne Knowledge Week, Library Services, International Trade Missions | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Startup Action Plan 2017–2021 A Prosperous City | Food and hospitality: Melbourne’s ‘foodie’ assets and capabilities are fuelling a wave of food, social food and logistics sector participants such as SproutX, Simplot’s Slingshot Food Accelerator, City of Melbourne’s Local Food Launchpad, Vinomofo, your grocer and the Social Food Project. | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Startup Action Plan 2017–2021 A Prosperous City | Victoria Market (QVM | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Startup Action Plan 2017–2021 A Prosperous City | As a participant in the program in 2016, Ben McMenamin found it was a great way to refine and develop his idea of connecting food producers with city consumers. He hosted several innovative events during the 2017 Melbourne Knowledge Week Festival, and today, his Farmer to Table concept is a reality, bringing food producers and home cooks together every month through fun, interactive cooking classes. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Startup Action Plan 2017–2021 A Prosperous City | El Cielo Foods Pty Ltd and Vetco. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Startup Action Plan 2017–2021 A Prosperous City | Other recent success stories include: Innovative coworking spaces York Butter Factory and Electron Workshop Mork Chocolate, a speciality cafe and cacao roasting facility in North Melbourne | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Startup Action Plan 2017–2021 A Prosperous City | Since 1996 City of Melbourne has provided $8 million worth of grants to over 363 businesses through our Small Business Grants Program. The program supports innovative businesses with market-ready products and services in a wide range of sectors, with many recipients achieving outstanding success including Skin and Threads, Halogenics, STREAT, Pharmaceutical Packaging Professionals, Bastion Cycles, Flexicar, Nexvet Biopharma Pty Ltd (NASDAQ listed), Sukin Organics, El Cielo Foods Pty Ltd and Vetco. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| Startup Action Plan 2017–2021 A Prosperous City | The second Launchpad in 2016 looked at ways to increase food production in the City of Melbourne with 11 participants planning to startup social enterprises, workshop programs, mini-documentaries, food promotion campaigns, community growing projects and small-scale farming enterprises. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Melbourne | Metropolitan |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | A vibrant agricultural experience allows visitors to learn and experience a variety of production methods and supply chain logistics. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | § Availability of local food and services | Health and Wellbeing | Accessible healthy food retail | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | Access to aff ordable transport and food. | Health and Wellbeing | Accessible healthy food retail | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | § Areas of farmland are available | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | 6.4 Boutique industries develop local | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | 6.5 Locally grown food production | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | Baw Baw has a reputation for producing high quality foods and | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | Defi ned and protected prime agricultural areas | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | Defi ned urban boundaries. § Protection of agricultural and natural landscapes and vistas. § Confi dence provided to the community and developers. § Development occurs in suitable locations | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | Fresh, aff ordable seasonal food is available | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | productive and inspiring landscapes Our land and landscapes are both productive and inspiring, providing us with our food, livelihood, recreational pursuits and sense of wellbeing. They connect us to our past, our present and our future | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | Resolution of the confl icts between native vegetation, agriculture and wildfi re management | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | The agricultural community and industry is growing, diverse and innovative. Council’s role Other key players Planning implications Advocate Regulator Facilitator § Primary producers, agricultural, business and industry enterprises. § Victoria Farmers Federation. § Education providers. § National Centre for Dairy Education Australia. § Dept. of Primary Industries. § Regional Development Victoria. § Review and update local planning policy relating to agriculture and industry. § Infrastructure provision for industry. § Creation of a ‘Baw Baw’ area brand. Outcomes § Greater economic security for farmers, rural and urban communities. § Industries are identifying and pursuing new opportunities, including sustainable and organic foods. § There are stronger links | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | The community understands and responsibly addresses environmental sustainability issues | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | THE FUTURE DIRECTIONS TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION Building Prosperity Baw Baw prospers materially and socially. Creativity, innovation, research and technology underpin the growth of agriculture and local business, industry and agriculture, which are key drivers of local employment and prosperity. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | There is demand for our locally grown organic food and sustainable farming produce. This demand drives new ways of producing food and associated income. The mix includes community gardens, cooperative farming ventures, community supported agriculture and value adding with farm gate sales. A vibrant agricultural experience allows visitors to learn and experience a variety of production methods and supply chain logistics. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | There is demand for our locally grown organic food and sustainable farming produce. This demand drives new ways of producing food and associated income. The mix includes community gardens, cooperative farming ventures, community supported agriculture and value adding with farm gate sales. A vibrant agricultural experience allows visitors to learn and experience a variety of production methods and supply chain logistics. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | and suitable water is available for homes, industry and agriculture | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | Use of treated water in agriculture and industry | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | There is demand for our locally grown organic food and sustainable farming produce. This demand drives new ways of producing food and associated income. The mix includes community gardens, cooperative farming ventures, community supported agriculture and value adding with farm gate sales. A vibrant agricultural experience allows visitors to learn and experience a variety of production methods and supply chain logistics. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |