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 2018/2019 | We held a Plastic Free Living workshop in February 2019 to promote simple alternatives to using plastics around the home. We held a Plastic Bag Swap event to coincide with World Environment Day in June 2019 where community members could exchange five plastic bags for a free reusable shopping bag. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | NSW | Georges River | Metropolitan |
| Annual Report 2018/2019 | prosecutions] Food Safety Health and safety Critical and major non-compliance outcome notifications | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Ararat | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Continue to implement the food premises inspection program. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Georges River | Metropolitan |
| Annual Report 2018/2019 | Service/Indicator/measure Food Safety Service standard Food safety assessments [Number of registered class 1 food premises and class 2 food premises that receive an annual food safety assessment in accordance with the Food Act 1984 / Number of registered class 1 food premises and class 2 food premises that require an annual food safety assessment in accordance with the Food Act 1984] x100 Service cost Cost of food safety service [Direct cost of the food safety service / Number of food premises registered or notified in accordance with the Food Act 1984] Health and safety Critical and major noncompliance outcome notifications [Number of critical noncompliance outcome notifications and major noncompliance notifications about a food premises followed up / Number of critical non-compliance outcome notifications and major noncompliance notifications about food premises] x100 0% 0% 86.96% 100.00% 95% $435.44 $332.06 $384.90 $291.09 $184.40 In line with Council’s commitment to deliver an effective and cost efficient food safety service, this reduction in cost reflects a change in Council’s approach to staffing. 84.00% 81.58% 48.18% 92.98% 80.70% Council has prioritised this as an area of improvement for the next financial year. An internal audit has been undertaken and resulting actions are currently being implemented around the management of food safety assessments. Result 2014/15 Result 2015/16 Result 2016/17 Result 2017/18 Result 2018/19 Material Variations and Comments There were 20 critical or major noncompliance outcome notifications issued in 2018/2019 with 19 of these being actioned. Council places high importance on ensuring critical and major non-compliance issues are responded to. This performance is consistent with the statewide average. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Ararat | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Food shop inspections | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Georges River | Metropolitan |
| Annual Report 2018/2019 | This service protects the community’s health and well-being by coordinating food safety programs, Tobacco Act activities, oversees wastewater systems and installations. The service also works to rectify any public health concerns relating to unreasonable noise emissions, housing standards and pest controls. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Ararat | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Implement the Food Premises Inspection Program. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Georges River | Metropolitan |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Percentage of food premises inspected annually | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Georges River | Metropolitan |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | TRANSFER OF RESPONSIBILITY Responsibilities transferred from the NSW Government to councils in several areas, including the inspection of all home-base food business | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Georges River | Metropolitan |
| Annual Report 2018/2019 | 1.15M sheep and lambs sold at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Greater Bendigo | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/2019 | Bendigo Livestock Exchange | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Greater Bendigo | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/2019 | The Business Services unit operates the Bendigo Airport and Bendigo Livestock Exchange in line with all regulatory requirements. It also supports other businesses including Bendigo Heritage Attractions, Golden Dragon Museum, Discovery Science and Technology Centre, and Bendigo Stadium. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Greater Bendigo | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | ACCESS AND EQUITY ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… During the 2018/19 Council has continued to improve access to Council’s assets and villages. Council’s Strategic Plan includes provision for Council to continue to provide services through Community Transport and Home and Community Care. These services include meals on wheels, social activities, transport and home maintenance. All of these services are offered to those residents who are frail aged and/or have a disability to remain independent in their own homes, whilst ever it is safe to do so. | Health and Wellbeing | Nutrition in vulnerable populations | NSW | Cabonne | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | 4. Transport infrastructure meets agricultural needs to get goods to and from market. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Cabonne | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/2019 | P.116 РEnhancing our Natural Environment; NE2.1.9. Link funding opportunities to groups, projects and activities in the area. Distribute information and assist where applicable in helping groups to acquire funding. Performance measure: Seek opportunities to increase funding for environmental activities. Comment: In April 2019, the Landcare Facilitator employed by Lithgow City Council assisted Tarana Community Farmers Market apply for and receive a ‘Wellbeing Grant to Support Farming Communities’ from the Federal Government. | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | NSW | Lithgow | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | INTERGENERATIONAL GARDEN We partnered with Project Youth and TAFE in June 2019 to create an intergenerational garden at the Hurstville senior citizens' halls. The garden features seedlings of beetroot, leeks, lettuce and herbs, and offers young local people who have experienced difficulties the opportunity to try out various jobs and training. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Georges River | Metropolitan |
| Annual Report 2018/2019 | A real highlight was TASTE Camden, where almost 10,000 people came down to Camden Town Farm to enjoy all it had to offer. There were more than 70 food stalls, live music performances and appearances from celebrity chefs Miguel Maestre and Katherine Sabbath. The inaugural Produce Lane was a real hit, offering fresh food to try on the day and gourmet takehome treats and produce. | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | NSW | Camden | Metropolitan |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | The seasonal Scone Country Markets were held out front of the Scone Visitor Information Centre, with the following themes 9 Feb (Valentine’s Day theme), 13 April (Easter markets), 13 July (Winter wonderland theme) and 14 September (Springtime markets). The markets have continued to be successful with the number of stalls and visitors to the markets increasing. | Economic Development | Public food markets and distributors | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Annual Report 2018/2019 | Ingleburn Alive Revived The annual Ingleburn Alive event this year was revived to feature a full program of live music, dance acts, a roller rink, street stalls and some of the city’s hippest food trucks and concluded the event with a spectacular fireworks display. An estimated 6000 people across the day created a vibrant festival atmosphere for all involved. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Campbelltown | Metropolitan |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Agricultural Industry Protecting Agricultural land and business consistent with Council policy. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Building Better Regions Fund – Scone Regional Livestock Centre | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Council also has a role in economic development, managing the Scone Regional Airport, Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre, | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Aged Care – Gummun Place Hostel | Health and Wellbeing | Nutrition in vulnerable populations | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Economy & Infrastructure Goal 5 – A sustainable and prosperous economy. G5 CS18 Encourage a diverse economy whilst promoting and preserving our agriculture and equine industries. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Gummun Place Hostel was re-accredited in March 2019, following implementation of a range of improvements to meet new levels of aged care standards required by the Government. Residents of Gummun Place Hostel gave resoundingly positive reports to government auditors of how well they felt cared for and enjoyed living at the hostel, and the hostel had no vacancies by the end of the year. The hostel attained an ‘A’ rating for Food Safety Accreditation. | Health and Wellbeing | Nutrition in vulnerable populations | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Empowering Our Communities – Doing It For Our Farmers | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | An International Women’s Day event was held in Murrurundi on 6 March 2019. The 100 Mile Dinner featured local entertainment and guest speaker Stephanie Cameron who spoke about the importance of sustainability and reducing food miles. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Encourage a diverse economy whilst promoting and preserving our agriculture and equine industries. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Conduct community education campaigns ( including media and joint activities) promoting the benefits of waste avoidance, minimisation composting and recycling, including problem waste disposal at the Community Recycling Centre (activities) | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 | Encouraged State Government support for the Murrurundi pipeline, Scone Airport, Scone Regional Livestock Selling Centre and White Park. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |