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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Slow Food Earth Market recognised The Maitland Slow Food Earth Markets were the 2018 winner of the International Gigi Frassanito award at the Earth Market Summit held in Turin, Italy. Held on the first and third Thursday of the month at The Levee, the market, which showcases local produce, has continued its success as one of over 60 Earth Markets Worldwide and the first of its kind in Australia. Council has worked closely with Slow Food Hunter Valley in the form of promotion, operational guidance and approvals, established through a memorandum of understanding, to deliver produce markets in The Levee. Slow Food Hunter Valley reported strong uptake of their offering by the public, in turn supporting local farmers and highlighting the Slow Food movement. | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | NSW | Maitland | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Some notable improvements include: • Memorial Park Griffith upgrade to include disabled toilet facility and change rooms, accessible community event stage and drinking fountain | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19 | FUNDING FOR CATTLE YARD ROOF In March 2019, Council received funding of $715,000 for the cattleyard roof at the Hamilton Regional livestock Exchange. The funding, made available through the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, combined with Council’s contribution, will see the $1.3 million project complete by the end of the 2019/20 financial year. Council made the decision to roof the cattle yards at the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX) following a review of operations in early 2018. The review comprised one-on-one discussions with key stakeholders including producers, buyers and agents to better understand the drivers and inhibitors to the Hamilton facility. Council pursued the review in an effort to ensure not only the ongoing viability of HRLX, but to ensure growth of the current and future offerings. Among the recommendations in the report, adopted at Council November meeting, was the commitment of $1.3 million to roof cattle yards 1- 99. Councillors agreed that the lack of a roof on the cattle yards has impacted cattle sales and it was the view of Council that commitment to this capital expenditure would entice agents and buyers to HRLX. Construction commenced in late June 2019. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Slow Food Earth Market wins International Award | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | NSW | Maitland | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Urban Water Supply Griffith City Council continues to supply high quality potable water in compliance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. Council has commenced the refurbishment of the Griffith Water Treatment Plant with 2 filters having the walls recoated and the filter sand replaced. The other 4 filters will be completed in the 2020 winter period. Council replaced 483 water meters during the 2018/19 financial year. As well as water installations, Council has commenced installing Backflow Prevention devices on all medium to high hazard connections to Council’s water main to ensure the protection of the potable water supply. | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Citizen of the year Local journalist and drought crisis advocate Belinda-Jane Davis was recognised as Maitland’s Citizen of the Year during Australia Day celebrations in January. Belinda-Jane has written important stories of people on the land in a unique way that has contributed towards building a strong, supportive community around our farmers. In 2018 she won a Walkley Award for Excellence in Journalism for her drought campaign ‘The Big Dry’ and helped start the huge ‘Buy a Bail’ campaign. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Maitland | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | A number of online community surveys were conducted to ascertain the community’s opinion on projects, including Boorga Road Users and CCTV in City Park and Community Gardens. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19 | Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Stronger Country Communities Program Rnd 2 • Community Gardens – Stage and Amenities Block at City Park | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Agriculture makes up 32 per cent of Griffith’s business industry. This sector is vital to this region and as Mayor of Griffith I continue to advocate for our farming community on a range of issues foremost, the challenges that confront in this time of drought and low water allocations. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19 | Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange Advisory Committee | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | A number of online community surveys were conducted to ascertain the community’s opinion on projects, including Boorga Road Users and CCTV in City Park and Community Gardens. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Develop partnerships with industry and agriculture leaders. Encourage existing partnerships with tertiary education providers that support quality education pathways for Griffith students. Code Action Measure 2.4.1.1 Investigate opportunities to establish a Country Universities Centre in Griffith. Progress project with a view to commencing the Country University Centre in 2019. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Stronger Country Communities Program Rnd 2 • Community Gardens – Stage and Amenities Block at City Park | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19 | Implement a pro-active strategy to promote and grow the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange Ongoing Integrated marketing and promotion strategy developed, aligned with existing council platforms and distributing information to buyers, vendors and agents through a range of traditional and non-traditional streams. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | 2.4.2.1 Establish networks and collaborate with food and wine industry leaders to increase profile of Griffith region as a foodie destination. Measure At least one media famil per year and 2 articles published. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Code Action Measure selling conditions for sheep yards. 8.1.11.3 Improvement upgrades to existing truck wash at Griffith Saleyards. Upgrade existing truck wash Griffith Saleyards – works to be completed by June 2019. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Annual Comment  Griffith Easter Party was another success in 2019 with more events on offer. This year we have formed our 3rd major festival weekend by growing the Salami Festival weekend. We have given it the umbrella name; ‘A Taste of Italy Griffith'. Signature events include the Griffith Italian Festival (Sat) and Salami Festival (Sun). We also called out to all operators and were pleased to see most of them offering a unique Italian experience! This Griffith City Council Tourism initiative included printed programs, TVC, radio advertising, social media posts and hanging flags and banners throughout the City of Griffith. Spring Fest is also gearing up to be another very successful event in 2019. We were successful in grant funding for new marketing initiatives which include promotion into Canberra and Victoria | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Attended and participated in SSROC meetings, Shelter NSW affordable housing discussions and LEP Review Technical Working Groups as well as submitted Council submission in support of amendments to SEPP 70 (Affordable Housing) to facilitate Affordable Housing Contribution Schemes across Sydney. Council is preparing the Bayside Housing Strategy to better understand housing diversity across the LGA. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Griffith Livestock Marketing Centre Sheep sales at the Griffith Livestock Marketing Centre totalled 505,039 during 2018/19, down 42,419 from the previous year but still meeting the target of 500,000 sheep per year. Work is expected to start on the new truck wash in the first half of 2019 financial year. Council continues to improve the Centre’s operations. It has a 10 year improvement plan in place for future works at the Centre, ensuring that it offers the region’s livestock sellers and agents a high quality marketing facility. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19 | Implementation of a pro-active strategy to promote and grow the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Code Action 6.5.2.1 Update the Griffith Marketing Plan, adopt by Committee and implement. This plan highlights our key destination assets – food and wine, Italian heritage, friendly people. Status Annual Comment Measure Status Annual Comment Marketing plan updated and endorse by the Tourism and Major Events Committee. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Develop a Bayside Housing Strategy including Affordable Housing strategies | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Maintain and develop infrastructure and services to bring together willing buyers and sellers of livestock in the Western Riverina region. Code Action 8.1.11.1 Manage and maintain Griffith Livestock Marketing Centre within allocated budgets. Measure Griffith Livestock Marketing Centre maintained to facilitate and maximise the buying and selling of livestock with a target of 450,000 head of sheep and ability to sell cattle when required. 8.1.11.2 Upgrade existing facilities to improve Capital works to be maintained in the allocated budget each financial year. Latest Progress Report Progress Report 2018 Status Annual Comment Budget allocations are currently being maintained. 505,039 Sheep have been sold at the Griffith Livestock and Marketing Centre between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019. Works completed as per capital budget allocations. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Collaborate with food and wine industry to ensure Griffith becomes top of mind in the area of authentic wine and culinary experiences in Australia | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19 | Council also assisted in several drought relief programs including issuing shop local vouchers | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Oberon | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Develop a Community Housing Provider governance framework | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Child, Youth and Family Services Brewarrina Youth Centre is funded by Department of Communities and Justice (formally FaCS), under the targeted early intervention model which offers case management, information and referrals for children, youth and families. Throughout 2018-2019 we provided 151 face to face accounts of information and referral delivery, we posted 28 topics on social media which were engaged 2123 times. Topics included; health and wellbeing, cyber safety, nutrition, fact sheets, bulling and local community events. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Brewarrina | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/19 | Saleyards | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Griffith | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19 | Livestock Exchange | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |