Australian Local Food System Policy Database

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 titleRelevant text in the policyDomainTopicStateLocal Government nameCouncil type
BELLINGEN SHIRE EMPLOYMENT LANDS STRATEGY 2013 Addendum to the Bellingen Shire Growth Management Strategy 2007 NOTE: The proposed Bellingen Industrial Investigation Area was excluded from the partial endorsement of the ELS by the Department of Planning & Infrastructure, in accordance with the following commentary. Whilst I understand the reasoning behind the selection of the Bellingen Industrial Investigation Area and the benefits it may bring in terms of the Bellingen town centre, further investigation is required to confirm its suitability for future release. The site represents significant expansion outside of the MNCRS growth area boundary, encompasses regionally significant farmland and matters such as access, localized flooding, service capability and visual impact require further investigation. This is consistent with the recommendations of the Strategy. Accordingly, further consideration of this site for future release can be undertaken as aprt of the review of the MNCRS. Sustainability and Environment Sustainable local food production NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 25.1 Deliver more opportunities for affordable housing by incorporating policies and tools into local growth management strategies and local planning controls that will enable a greater variety of housing types and incentivise private investment in affordable housing Social Policy Affordable housing NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 4.1 Provide Affordable Housing on government-owned sites 4.2 Define and promote affordable housing, 4.3 Affordability objectives Social Policy Affordable housing NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Affordability Advocate for improved housing affordability, especially for people on low and middle incomes. Encourage and facilitate the building of Affordable (subsidised) Housing, as well as homes that are more likely to be affordable (e.g. smaller homes, homes with high-quality lower-cost specifications/finishes, homes with shared spaces). Social Policy Affordable housing NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Affordable housing on government owned land Affordability objectives (finalise) Social Policy Affordable housing NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Affordable housing on government owned land Define affordable housing Affordability objectives (commence) Social Policy Affordable housing NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Council has limited ability to influence the housing market in terms of affordability (many policy levers are available only to state and federal governments or private developers); however, Council recognises the issue and through the Housing Strategy and Action Plan proposes a raft of measures intended to meet demand for more affordable housing types. For example Council is proposing to review governmentowned sites that could be used for subsidised Affordable Housing development and will review planning controls and objectives to encourage building of smaller homes at more affordable price points Social Policy Affordable housing NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 House prices across the Shire have increased quite dramatically in recent times and many households are seeking smaller, more affordable homes. Infill housing is proposed as the best way for the Shire to provide these desired housing types. Social Policy Affordable housing NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Immediate actions (within the next year) Social Policy Affordable housing NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Local housing affordability data should be collected and reported upon. Social Policy Affordable housing NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Offering high-quality, affordable housing choices Social Policy Affordable housing NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Vision for equitable and affordable housing Given the wide range of physical constraints and natural values of the Shire, population and dwelling growth on the North Coast will be concentrated elsewhere (predominantly within and near cities and regional centres). However, Bellingen Shire aspires to provide its residents with high quality of life and affordable housing choices that meet a wide range of needs. This Strategy seeks to minimise instances where residents are pushed out of the area they love by lack of appropriate housing stock or over-inflated property or rental prices. Significant demographic changes have also occurred over the last 30 years, with the population ageing and households shrinking, and the Shire’s older housing stock has not kept pace with these trends. Maintaining services to support residents and fostering community wellbeing requires a multifaceted strategy, including actions to: • address housing supply deficiencies and gaps (e.g. supporting ageing in place, proving more homes to suit smaller households) • retain and attract a younger and working population, including families with young children; • provide housing to suit a range of household incomes, especially people on lower-incomes; and to • efficiently fund vital infrastructure Social Policy Affordable housing NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 We strive for greater opportunity and affordability in the housing market. Our homes cater for a wide range of people and households, including for all incomes, people with a disability, and for our ageing population. Social Policy Affordable housing NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 1.6 Housing Vision Bellingen Shire is characterised by its natural assets and these present challenges for growth. However, the Shire has capacity to grow within its natural limitations, supported by adequate infrastructure investment. The preferred growth pattern is compact around existing town and village centres, protecting natural areas and important farmland and keeping new populations out of isolated, hazard-prone areas. Sustainability and Environment Sustainable local food production NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 11.1 Enable the growth of the agricultural sector by directing urban and rural residential development away from important farmland and identifying locations to support existing and small-lot primary production, such as horticulture in Coffs Harbour. 11.2 Deliver a consistent management approach to important farmland across the region by updating the Northern Rivers Farmland Protection Project (2005) and Mid North Coast Farmland Mapping Project (2008). Sustainability and Environment Sustainable local food production NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 8.7 Support for local food production and small farmers 8 Sustainability and Environment Sustainable local food production NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Country towns and farming Support compact growth in Dorrigo and country villages, with a focus on leveraging sustainable and regenerative farming opportunities. Sustainability and Environment Sustainable local food production NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Producing food for the local area and region, embracing regenerative agriculture and supporting small producers Sustainability and Environment Sustainable local food production NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Protect regionally important farmland areas, including the Dorrigo Plateau and the Kalang and Bellinger valleys, to support the agricultural sector. Sustainability and Environment Sustainable local food production NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Support local food production and small farmers Sustainability and Environment Sustainable local food production NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Support the growth and diversification of the Bellingen Shire’s agricultural base by leveraging the strength of dairy and livestock activities to encourage new opportunities for agribusiness, support emerging organic and boutique food production and maximise connections with the New England. Sustainability and Environment Sustainable local food production NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 The Bellingen Shire community have indicated their preferred method of growth is infill (development in areas that are already built-upon). This represents an ecologically-minded view and protects undeveloped land for environmental conservation and agricultural production into the future. It is vital that new development is delivered sensitively, with respect to the Shire’s built heritage and leafy, low-rise character. This strategy proposes a variety of planning and non-planning mechanisms to support delivery of high quality infill development and places increased emphasis on good design and environmental sustainability. Sustainability and Environment Sustainable local food production NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 The farmland and rural character of the Shire is protected, and offers regenerative and innovative farming opportunities, supporting our country towns and villages. Sustainability and Environment Sustainable local food production NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Support the growth and diversification of the Bellingen Shire’s agricultural base by leveraging the strength of dairy and livestock activities to encourage new opportunities for agribusiness, support emerging organic and boutique food production and maximise connections with the New England. Sustainability and Environment Animal husbandry NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 12.4 Facilitate investment in the agricultural supply chain by protecting assets, including freight and logistics facilities, from land use conflicts arising from the encroachment of incompatible land uses Sustainability and Environment Strengthen food chain connections/distribution NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Support the growth and diversification of the Bellingen Shire’s agricultural base by leveraging the strength of dairy and livestock activities to encourage new opportunities for agribusiness, support emerging organic and boutique food production and maximise connections with the New England. Sustainability and Environment Strengthen food chain connections/distribution NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 8.7 Support for local food production and small farmers Economic Development Local food producers NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Producing food for the local area and region, embracing regenerative agriculture and supporting small producers Economic Development Local food producers NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Support local food production and small farmers Economic Development Local food producers NSW Bellingen Regional
Bellingen Shire Local Housing Strategy 2020-2040 Support the growth and diversification of the Bellingen Shire’s agricultural base by leveraging the strength of dairy and livestock activities to encourage new opportunities for agribusiness, support emerging organic and boutique food production and maximise connections with the New England. Economic Development Local food producers NSW Bellingen Regional