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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | 6.5 Locally grown food production | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | 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 | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | 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 | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | 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 | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | Access to aff ordable transport and food. | Sustainability and Environment | Food supply and food system resilience | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | 6. Building Prosperity Strategies to achieve the future direction 6.1 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 between local agricultural education providers and farming enterprise. § A unique Baw Baw brand to promote everything that we do – the area, business, education and way of life. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | 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 | Economic Development | Food related job creation | 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. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | § Creation of a ‘Baw Baw’ area brand | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | 6.4 Boutique industries develop local | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | Baw Baw develops a national reputation as a unique escape destination based on local food and environment. § Baw Baw is renowned for its culture of community celebrations and events. § Diversifi ed source of income for rural communities | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | 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. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | 6.5 Locally grown food production | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | 6.4 Boutique industries develop local | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | Agriculture is productive | Economic Development | Local food producers | 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 | Economic Development | Local food producers | 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 | Economic Development | Local food producers | 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 | Economic Development | Local food producers | 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. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| State Government’s support, we were able to achieve the BawBaw 2050 | There are opportunities and support for value adding to local produce. § Increasing opportunities for smaller farms. | Economic Development | Local food producers | 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. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Baw Baw | Regional |
| STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING | 1. Developing a Social and Affordable Housing Strategy to outline Glen Eira’s housing and service need of our most at-need groups in Glen Eira. 2. Taking a whole-of-Council approach to supporting Glen Eira residents experiencing housing stress and homelessness. 3. Advocating to the State Government to provide affordable housing on government-owned sites in Glen Eira. 4. Collaborating with other councils to seek a consistent minimum level of affordable housing on larger development sites. 5. Negotiating for on-site affordable housing opportunities through the rezoning process for strategic sites. 6. Partnering with housing associations and providers to increase the overall supply of affordable housing on Council’s existing housing sites, where appropriate. 7. Actively explore the inclusion of affordable housing in the redevelopment of Council-owned sites. 8. Advocating to the State Government for planning controls that facilitate affordable housing. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Glen Eira | Metropolitan |
| Stewardship Strategic Plan 2019-2021 A Partnership between Council and Community | The Home Harvest Program draws upon established partnerships with Local Food Connect and Nillumbik Community Health Service. Local Food Connect is an organisation that delivers local, seasonal, ecologically ethical food directly from farmers to households, and promotes local and seasonal food consumption through various educational activities including film nights and food swaps. Nillumbik Community Health Service looks to connect people with healthy eating options. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Banyule | Metropolitan |
| Stewardship Strategic Plan 2019-2021 A Partnership between Council and Community | “Deliver community waste and litter minimisation education programs through the waste wise education program. Delivery of multi-media based, interactive waste minimisation and litter prevention education programs at the Rethink Education Centre. “ | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Banyule | Metropolitan |
| Stewardship Strategic Plan 2019-2021 A Partnership between Council and Community | “Deliver community waste and litter minimisation education programs through the waste wise education program. Delivery of multi-media based, interactive waste minimisation and litter prevention education programs at the Rethink Education Centre. “ En | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Banyule | Metropolitan |
| Stewardship Strategic Plan 2019-2021 A Partnership between Council and Community | Adult education sessions include an understanding of MRF and landfill operations and a tour of the Replenish Garden, a sustainable garden featuring recycled materials and the latest in food waste recycling technology. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Banyule | Metropolitan |
| Stewardship Strategic Plan 2019-2021 A Partnership between Council and Community | Delivery of multi-media based, interactive waste minimisation and litter prevention education programs at the Rethink Education Centre. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Banyule | Metropolitan |
| Stewardship Strategic Plan 2019-2021 A Partnership between Council and Community | Enabling change Sustainable Homes and Communities Program Enabling change Sustainable Homes and Communities Program | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Banyule | Metropolitan |
| Stewardship Strategic Plan 2019-2021 A Partnership between Council and Community | Engagement and education Food Increase community understanding and peer to peer learning of the environmental issues related to food production and consumption and the positive impact local and seasonal food production can make to these. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Banyule | Metropolitan |
| Stewardship Strategic Plan 2019-2021 A Partnership between Council and Community | Fostering food sustainability at Watsonia Library As part of the 2015/16 Grants Program, Watsonia Library was awarded $8,000 to assist with the establishment of a new community garden at the site. The garden included three low maintenance, raised wicking garden beds and an outdoor natural environmental play space for preschool aged children which included a variety of sensory plants. Since establishment, the garden and community involvement has grown significantly. Well attended community workshops have included: • Dehydrating veggie talk • Native gardens • Tomato giveaway • Designing a productive permaculture garden. There have been many informal interactions between families and children exploring the garden after storytime and during the day to pick produce. The produce is also shared after each session with library patrons, encouraging greater interactions with the garden. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Banyule | Metropolitan |