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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy Volume 2: The Implementation Plan | • Ensure new housing stock includes replacement housing that is affordable, sustainable, accessible and enables people to age in place. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy Volume 2: The Implementation Plan | 5. Investigate amendments to the existing planning instruments to require applications for one off increases in density to achieve better design outcomes through a master plan process which addresses topics such as, but not limited to, affordability, housing accessibility and ageing housing sustainability, in place, beyond those outcomes that might otherwise be achieved under the normal planning and legislative arrangements. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy Volume 2: The Implementation Plan | 6. Seek expert Urban Design advice to guide those actions above and in particular with respect to achieving new housing that is affordable, sustainable, accessible and enables people to age in place. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy Volume 2: The Implementation Plan | 7. Seek expert Urban Design advice to guide the actions emphasis on: • Retention of the historic nature of the precinct. • Mixed use developments. • The achievement of sustainability and beyond standards. 8. Undertake a review of relevant planning documents to incorporate the recommendations from the studies/reports outlined in general actions 1-8 above. design outcomes for matters such as housing existing affordability, accessibility legislated above with | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy Volume 2: The Implementation Plan | broader affordable housing strategy | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy Volume 2: The Implementation Plan | Offset increases in living densities with higher design standards relating to matters such as sustainability, accessibility, affordability and ageing in place. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy Volume 2: The Implementation Plan | CONVERSION OF LAND FROM NON-URBAN TO URBAN PURPOSES Agriculture is an important contributor to Bathurst’s economy. In 2010/11 agriculture contributed $56 million to Bathurst’s economy, making agriculture the 10th largest sector within the region. Animal slaughtering made up over 44% of total agricultural outputs. The Page | 26 Bathurst 2036 Housing Strategy: Volume 2 – Implementation Plan conversion of grazing land for urban purposes will ultimately impact on the contribution of agriculture to Bathurst’s economy. The NSW Department of Primary Industries, as part of the consultation for the Bathurst Regional Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2014, raised concern with the continued loss of highly productive agricultural land (Class I, II and III land), to urban purposes. Council’s Urban Strategy identified three key localities for longer term urban expansion: 1. West of Sawpit Creek 2. North of Eleven Mile Drive 3. East and South of Perthville Extending the life of the City’s existing vacant land stocks will delay the need to rezone additional lands for urban expansion and minimise the conversion of agricultural lands for urban purposes. Nonetheless, Council will need to commence detailed investigations now to determine which of these locations (or if there are other alternative sites) is the optimal location for the expansion of the City beyond 2040. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST 2040 OPEN SPACE STRATEGY | Drinking fountains and taps provided | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST 2040 OPEN SPACE STRATEGY | In ground irrigation. 2+ drinking fountains. Taps for picnic areas. Taps at active recreation nodes. Water connection to be provided prior to dedication to Council. | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST 2040 OPEN SPACE STRATEGY | Water taps Irrigation Drinking taps/ fountains provided where active facilities are provided. Water connection to be provided prior to dedication to Council | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST 2040 OPEN SPACE STRATEGY | Community gardens Community gardens are located at: Bathurst Community Garden – between Stephens Lane and Church Lane, Kelso (off River Road) Rahahmin Community Garden – 34 Busby Street, South Bathurst (owned by Sisters of Mercy) Whiddon Kelso Community Garden – in aged care facility open to the community Bathurst Hope Church, Gilmour Stree.t | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST 2040 OPEN SPACE STRATEGY | Some community gardens currently operate in Bathurst Region. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST 2040 OPEN SPACE STRATEGY | Undertake community engagement about additional community spaces/gardens | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST 2040 OPEN SPACE STRATEGY | Community gardens Community gardens are located at: Bathurst Community Garden – between Stephens Lane and Church Lane, Kelso (off River Road) Rahahmin Community Garden – 34 Busby Street, South Bathurst (owned by Sisters of Mercy) Whiddon Kelso Community Garden – in aged care facility open to the community Bathurst Hope Church, Gilmour Stree.t | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST 2040 OPEN SPACE STRATEGY | Some community gardens currently operate in Bathurst Region. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST 2040 OPEN SPACE STRATEGY | Undertake community engagement about additional community spaces/gardens | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst Climate Change and Water Security Plan | With strong population growth and increasing prosperity in the community, water use will resume an upward trend in the medium to long term. In addition, both urban and rural water use are strongly climate-dependent. In the event that climate change results in hotter and drier conditions, water use will increase. Any increase in water use will reduce water security, and thus, it is important that options for reducing water extraction are employed. These improvements can come from: Urban water efficiency through retrofit, rebate, education and system leakage reduction measures Rural water efficiency through improvements in irrigation practices and farm management. The use of recycled water from urban wastewater and stormwater, and the harvesting of urban rainwater, may also improve water security outcomes. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst Climate Change and Water Security Plan | With strong population growth and increasing prosperity in the community, water use will resume an upward trend in the medium to long term. In addition, both urban and rural water use are strongly climate-dependent. In the event that climate change results in hotter and drier conditions, water use will increase. Any increase in water use will reduce water security, and thus, it is important that options for reducing water extraction are employed. These improvements can come from: Urban water efficiency through retrofit, rebate, education and system leakage reduction measures Rural water efficiency through improvements in irrigation practices and farm management. The use of recycled water from urban wastewater and stormwater, and the harvesting of urban rainwater, may also improve water security outcomes. | Sustainability and Environment | Food supply and food system resilience | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST REGION DESTINATION MANAGEMENT PLAN 2019 | 1.15 Increase the range of Agritourism experiences available and access to information and product by; ✓ Marketing the Bathurst region as the closest accessible rural region west of Sydney ✓ Identification of points of difference between Bathurst and nearby competitor regions such as Orange ✓ Promote Bathurst as a ‘new’ and emergent experience ✓ Design a campaign around the regional ‘firsts’ of the Bathurst region including grapes, hops and cheese production. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST REGION DESTINATION MANAGEMENT PLAN 2019 | A two-day heritage celebration featuring local and visiting artisans demonstrating rare and unusual trades with workshops, activities & local food at a number of heritage properties in Bathurst | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST REGION DESTINATION MANAGEMENT PLAN 2019 | Barcoo’s Farm Visits | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST REGION DESTINATION MANAGEMENT PLAN 2019 | Delivering consistent, positive & memorable authentic experiences across the region consistent with identified Brand Experience Pillars INITIATIVES Support and enhance Food and Wine tourism development and marketing # 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 ACTIONS Develop tour packages, including linking winery product with BRAG and other galleries/art activities Establish itineraries for the Bathurst wine region including food and wine trails and potentially hosted tour experiences Establish BVIC as a regional Cellar Door for sales of local wines Undertake annual Sydney pop-up media event in collaboration with industry groups such as BRVA 2.5 Work with industry to identify ways to encourage increased opening hours over peak tourism periods | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| BATHURST REGION DESTINATION MANAGEMENT PLAN 2019 | Develop and execute marketing campaigns Measure visitor awareness of agritourism offering Work with industry to raise awareness of product and experiences through workshops and hosted media events Develop product around the story of Edgell’s Farm tours developed & marketed | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst Region Economic Development Strategy | 2018-2022 | Minimise the fragmentation of agricultural lands, protect highly valued lands and encourage the consolidation of small holdings. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst Region Economic Development Strategy | 2018-2022 | Provide support for innovative practices within the agriculture, food manufacturing and renewable energy sectors. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst Region Economic Development Strategy | 2018-2022 | Provide support for innovative practices within the agriculture, food manufacturing and renewable energy sectors. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst Region Rural Strategy | Support the production of agricultural education material aimed at the better management of farm enterprises. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst Region Rural Strategy | . To promote better farm management practices that minimise the risk of salinity occurring. Recommended Actions: a. Support the production of agricultural education material aimed at the better management of farm enterprises, e.g. crop rotation, management of saline discharge sites, control of pests and impacts of overgrazing. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst Region Rural Strategy | 1. To minimise the fragmentation of agricultural lands, protect highly valued agricultural lands and encourage the consolidation of small holdings. Recommended Actions: a. Adopt the following proposed zones and minimum allotment sizes in relation to the minimum lot size required to attract a dwelling entitlement. Proposed Zone Location General Rural Market Garden Rural – Mt Panorama Lands generally classed as land suitability 3, 4 and 5 (excluding Mt Panorama) or land capability class 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 Land generally classed as land suitability class 1 and 2 (existing 1(b) lands under Bathurst Regional (Interim) LEP 2005) Recommended minimum allotment size 300ha 40ha Privately owned rural land at Mt Panorama 200ha b. Do not permit new rural lifestyle living subdivision on highly valued agricultural lands (land suitability class 1 or land capability class 1 or 2). Do not generally permit rural lifestyle living subdivision of lands with a land suitability class 2 or land capability class 3 unless there are extenuating circumstances to support such a proposal. c. Do not permit rural lifestyle living subdivision of holdings with a size generally greater than 100ha unless there are extenuating circumstances that support such a proposal. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |
| Bathurst Region Rural Strategy | 2. To minimise the alienation of rural lands from competing and conflicting land uses. Recommended Actions: a. Adopt the following minimum buffer distances between agricultural land uses and urban expansion areas, villages and rural lifestyle living subdivisions. • 40 metre wide vegetated buffer (or 150 to 300m buffer if not vegetated) to be located wholly within the land being used for residential purposes. (Note a larger buffer width will be required where residential activities are located in close proximity to agricultural land uses that emit odour and/or long term noise). b. Require all on-farm housing (i.e. second dwellings, rural workers dwellings and granny flats) to be located on the same land title as the principle dwelling. c. Do not permit additional on-farm housing (excluding granny flats) on lands zoned market garden, on rural lands at Mount Panorama and on lots created for intensive agricultural purposes. d. Adopt a flexible approach to landuse permissibility in the rural zones under the comprehensive LEP provided the zone objectives protect agricultural values from competing and conflicting landuses and appropriate setback standards are incorporated in the comprehensive DCP. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Bathurst | Regional |