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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biodiversity Management Strategy 2010 | D. Action 2 Educate and support the community on weeds and their control D.2.1 Run field days, and attend displays at events such as agricultural shows, to distribute information. D.2.2 Promote and distribute information to the community about websites that contain information on weeds and their control. D.2.3 Undertake assisted removal programs to remove priority weeds from the landscape, with priority given to properties adjacent to high conservation value assets such as National Park estate. D.2.4 Promote the use of plants included in the Bushland Friendly Nursery Scheme to the community, plant wholesalers and retailers, and in Council’s landscape guidelines, development control plans and policies. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Clarence Valley | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy 2010 | F.4.6 Implement actions in Council’s ‘Riparian Action Strategy’ (2010) to improve riparian buffers in intensive agricultural and horticultural areas in order to provide improved water quality and habitat. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | NSW | Clarence Valley | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy 2010 | D. Action 2 Educate and support the community on weeds and their control D.2.1 Run field days, and attend displays at events such as agricultural shows, to distribute information. D.2.2 Promote and distribute information to the community about websites that contain information on weeds and their control. D.2.3 Undertake assisted removal programs to remove priority weeds from the landscape, with priority given to properties adjacent to high conservation value assets such as National Park estate. D.2.4 Promote the use of plants included in the Bushland Friendly Nursery Scheme to the community, plant wholesalers and retailers, and in Council’s landscape guidelines, development control plans and policies. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Clarence Valley | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | Community education programs (a) Actively seek partnerships to develop, implement and promote education programs. Priorities for programs should be reviewed annually and aligned with related actions within the BMS. Possible partnerships include: i. Relevant EnviTE employment and training programs. ii. Richmond Landcare Inc. workshops and events. iii. My Native Garden (Byron Bay initiative). M iv. Carp muster event (Bogan Shire Council initiative) and promotion of commercial fisheries targeting Carp for on-sale through organisations such as the Ballina Fishing Cooperative. v. Partnership with the Australian Macadamia Society for conservation and erosion prevention programs. vi. Relevant Rous Water school programs. vii. Council’s Arts Hub (as outlined in Imagine Lismore). viii. Agricultural industry events. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | Council will also employ a Natural Resource Management Extension Officer to deliver biodiversity extension services to the community and landholders. These could include training forums and workshops, field days, and individual consultations. Specific extension activities could include: Support the implementation of voluntary conservation, restoration and management of Koala habitat by individuals and community groups by assisting with the search for grant funding and providing technical support. Education programs and provision of on-ground advice. Property-based biodiversity assessments to inform incentive program eligibility or farm management plans. Advice on threatened species and conservation management, and provision of background information. Advice and information on effective management of ecosystem services. Advice on weed identification, weed management, bush regeneration, revegetation and animal pest control. Information and training on developing community partnerships (e.g. encouraging landholder to seek effective community and neighbour partnerships to achieve positive biodiversity and ecosystem service outcomes). 91 Lismore City Council Biodiversity Management Strategy Property planning advice provision of available data and assistance in the preparation of property management plans. Advice on forms of assistance available to manage biodiversity values. Information of ecosystem services and biodiversity, including best-practice management of wetlands and the values of hollow-bearing trees, dead trees, fallen timber and hollow logs. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | Field days at demonstration sites managed by landholder champions to enable knowledge sharing of knowledge, development of practical skills and development of skills to apply best practice management of ecosystem services. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | 3.3.8 Indian Myna Control Program The Lismore Indian Myna Control Program started in 2009 in partnership with the Lismore Men and Community Shed. The Shed make all the Myna traps and there are over 40 community volunteers, including farmers, actively involved in trapping this pest species on private properties. Council staff also conduct year-round trapping at various locations, including Council's Waste Facility and Sewage Treatment Plants within Lismore City and the Nimbin village. In 2013, LCC partnered with the Tweed Council and Lismore Men and Community Shed to create an innovative ’super-size’ Indian Myna trap to catch large numbers of India Mynas. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | 4. Rural Landholder Initiative –- The Rural Landholder Initiative is being developed in partnership with the Southern Cross University and Lismore’s agricultural community. The RLI will be a program based on creating incentives to assist and encourage landholders to manage biodiversity and ecosystem services on their properties. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | 4. Rural Landholder Initiative (section 4.2.4; table 6) o Working with farmers to develop incentives and education that are mutually beneficial for biodiversity and agricultural production | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | 4.2.4 Rural Landholder Initiative The Rural Landholder Capacity Building Program (the Rural Landholder Initiative) is a specific project set out in Council’s Imagine Lismore Partnering Strategy. The aim of the Rural Landholder Initiative is to broaden Lismore’s capacity to develop and maintain a sustainable environment through partnerships with rural land managers and primary producers, other private sector businesses, Landcare groups and natural resource managers to deliver two key outcomes: Improve environmental outcomes through genuine partnerships with Lismore’s rural landholders. Initiate and support best-practice land management and thus improve profitability of land and land-uses. Although the Rural Landholder Initiative was a standalone project in Imagine Lismore, it has been incorporated into the BMS, as there are clear synergies with the objectives of the BMS. The Rural Landholder Initiative has therefore become the delivery mechanism for the rural components of the BMS. Table 6 summarises the actions to be taken within the BMS under the Rural Landholder Initiative. Table 6. The Rural Landholder Initiative. Management actions to be conducted within the Council’s Rural Landholder Initiative under the BMS. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | 4.3 Planning exemptions for long-term biodiversity gains Council will investigate options for the use of regulatory incentives for the long-term protection of biodiversity on private land. This would involve developing a list of planning exemptions to provisions of the development control plan (dispensation agreements) as trade-offs where there is an acceptable level of biodiversity protection. For example only, where there are clear long-term biodiversity gains, planning exemptions could include relaxing provisions for minimum lot-sizes, which could allow for excision of one or more housing lots (i.e. subdivision). Nevertheless, standard development constraints would apply, including, but not limited to, the preservation of State or regionally significant farmland. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | 7.1.2 Pilot projects Council will conduct pilot projects to test the implementation of the Rural Landholder Initiative, as identified in the design of the project above. Council plans to conduct 10 or more on-ground projects with rural landholders across the five major landholder sectors to test and improve the initiatives developed in the design phases. The pilot projects will also provide a means of demonstrating the onground benefits of the program and thus further promote the program. Council will also seek additional partnerships at local, regional and state levels to conduct the pilot projects, including applying for funding and, if successful, entering into an agreement with the Australian Research Council. 7.1.3 Implementation of the Rural Landholder Initiative Once the design of the Rural Landholder Initiative is completed, Council plans to proceed to a full rollout of the program, provided Council can secure reliable funding. As described in Table 6, action 44, this rollout will include incentives for ecosystem services management by landholders and educational materials and forums in the Lismore LGA. The full incentive program will consider options to link with landscape-scale planning, including priority habitats and corridors. This may be in the form of eligibility criteria for specific management actions within key habitat corridors identified by Milledge (2012). Council will also continue to seek partners to implement this program fully and will promote partnerships between government and non-government agencies to deliver incentive options. 7.2 Incentives program Conservation incentives encourage or motivate people to participate in biodiversity conservation or management activities. Incentives can be financial or non-financial, including education, and are a popular tool of environmental programs. Based on community consultation, a study of incentives programs from around Australia (see Table A9) a list of possible incentives will be developed. These incentives will be presented to landholders during the design phases to determine the preferences of landholders. The feedback, with an analysis of the effectiveness of the incentives will be considered to ensure there is greatest uptake of the Rural Landholder Initiative and that biodiversity outcomes are maximised. Any incentives program will also be guided by regional biodiversity plans, such as the Border Ranges Rainforest Biodiversity Management Plan – NSW & Queensland (DECCW 2010a), the Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan (DECCW 2010b), and the Northern Rivers Catchment Action Plan 2 – 2013–2023 (CAP2) (NRCMA 2013). 7.2.1 Aims Incentives, including educational incentives, will be industry relevant and easy-to-use. They will aim to: Increase the capacity and commitment of landholders and the community to conduct bestpractice land management for improvement of ecosystem services. To work with landholders to create corridors or stepping stones between existing remnant patches of vegetation, aiding the movement of animals through the landscape. Reduce or end the effects of grazing by stock on remnant vegetation through exclusion fencing | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | Appendix 7 The Rural Landholder Initiative The Rural Landholder Initiative is a project of Council to develop a capacity building program for rural landholders, as outlined in the Imagine Lismore Partnering Strategy (Lismore City Council 2013g). The project design phase began in April 2014 in partnership with Southern Cross University (SCU). Development of the program is being designed with the input and assistance from rural landholders and other stakeholders. It is expected the project design will be completed by the end of 2014, in time to inform the implementation of on-ground pilot projects in mid-2015. 7.1 Development of the program The development of this program involves consultative design and pilot projects, which aim to: Provide direction for the successful development and on-ground implementation of a Rural Landholder Initiative as a delivery mechanism of the BMS. Design biodiversity conservation and management tools for effective management of biodiversity on private land. Guide Council toward best-practice land management for effective biodiversity management. Provide policy tools and initiatives that maximise the cost–benefit of investment into rural land management and biodiversity and maximise landholder participation and support. Provide sufficient guidance and eligibility to develop a strong grant submission under the Australian Research Council Linkage project for further investment in the implementation of a pilot project in the Lismore LGA. 7.1.1 Design The initiative is being designed in partnership with the Southern Cross University (SCU). SCU are conducting a collaborative research study to design and develop targeted biodiversity management policies and incentives for implementation across the Lismore LGA. This study includes the following phases: Phase 1 – Project design and conceptualisation. Consists of creation of an ABCD biodiversity management framework similar to the Canegrowers ABCD framework which was developed in Queensland (DEEDI 2010) to improve water quality being discharged to the Great Barrier Reef. This framework defines management practices from innovative (A), best (B) or common (C) to dated (D), and aims to guide incentive and educational programs to achieve incremental change in land management. Phase 2 – Rural Landholder consultation. Consultation with 75 landholders across five major landholder sectors (beef farmers, dairy farmers, orchardists/Macadamia growers, floodplain cropping/cane growers, and lifestyle landholders) to further inform the development of effective biodiversity management incentive and educational programs targeted towards enhancing or creating ecosystem services that are mutually beneficial for agricultural production and biodiversity. Phase 3 – Development of incentive and policy tools. Identification and development of policy tools, including financial incentives and education measures, which encourage best-practice land management with positive biodiversity outcomes. Phase 4 – Pilot project design and funding application. Consists of design of on-ground pilot projects for implementation to test the effectiveness and efficiencies of policy tools developed during Phases 1–3. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | b) Council biodiversity stewardship product labelling incentives, whereby Council partners with and/or develops a product label and eligibility criteria to reward biodiversity stewardship in agricultural retail. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | b) On the website, provide resources and links for the community on how to manage biodiversity on their land and, where possible, gain assistance to do so. For example, the website will include links to: i. Opportunities for Council funding and external grants, including opportunities to lodge an expression of interest in Council incentive programs (e.g. incentive payments for managing and enhancing ecosystem services through the Rural Landholder Initiative). ii. FNCW resources and events (e.g. Look Learn Act website). iii. Rous Water initiatives and events. iv. Local Landcare groups, including Soil Care Inc. v. Opportunities to pursue environmental product labelling and promotion of environmental stewardship, such as Land for Wildlife. vi. Voluntary land acquisition and revolving funds (e.g. Nature Conservation Trust of NSW). vii. Relevant educational programs and resources, including the Weed Warriors and Weed Web school programs. viii. Pest management websites. ix. Best-practice farming management practices for biodiversity and commercial productivity benefits. x. Key research findings relevant to the Lismore LGA. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | Community education programs (a) Actively seek partnerships to develop, implement and promote education programs. Priorities for programs should be reviewed annually and aligned with related actions within the BMS. Possible partnerships include: i. Relevant EnviTE employment and training programs. ii. Richmond Landcare Inc. workshops and events. iii. My Native Garden (Byron Bay initiative). M iv. Carp muster event (Bogan Shire Council initiative) and promotion of commercial fisheries targeting Carp for on-sale through organisations such as the Ballina Fishing Cooperative. v. Partnership with the Australian Macadamia Society for conservation and erosion prevention programs. vi. Relevant Rous Water school programs. vii. Council’s Arts Hub (as outlined in Imagine Lismore). viii. Agricultural industry events. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | ID # Action Implementation 44. Program rollout Council will then implement a full rollout of financial and non-financial incentives as tested and adjusted. (a) Without pre-empting the outcomes of Actions 42 and 43, Appendix 7 provides a summary of possible financial and non-financial initiatives based on similar programs around Australia. M (b) Education and incentives will increase the capacity of landholders and the community to conduct best-practice land management with the aim of benefitting biodiversity and, in turn, ecosystem services and sustainable agriculture. The Initiative will provide easy-to-use information and resources tailored to industry sectors (see Appendix 7). (c) Council will seek partnerships and funding opportunities to deliver the educational initiatives and incentives in the BMS. 45. On-ground extension service for rural landholders As identified in the Imagine Lismore 4 year Plan 2013–2017 (Lismore City Council 2013a), Council will employ a Natural Resource Management Officer to deliver extension services and support activities under the Rural Landholder Initiative (see Appendix 7). M Priority H/M/L Links Partners Indicative duration CAP2: 2.1.3, 2.2.5, 2.2.6, 2.2.7, 2.2.9, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.5, 3.5.2, 3.6.2, 3.7.1; BRR: 2.1.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 3.1.7, 3.3.1, 3.3.2, 3.3.5, 3.3.7, 5.4.5, 5.5.3, 5.7.3, 5.9.2, 9.1.1, 9.1.4, 9.1.5, 9.1.6; NRR: 1.1.2, 1.3.2, 1.4.12, 3.4.1, 9.2.3, 10.1.5, 10.2.1, 10.3.1, 13.1.1, 13.1.2, 13.1.8; CZMP: 5b, 5c CAP2: 2.1.3, 2.2.9, 3.1.5, 3.5.1, 3.7.1; BRR: 14.1.2, 14.1.5, 14.1.6, 14.1.7, 14.1.7, 14.1.8; NRR: 1.3.2, 3.4.6, 3.4.7, 3.4.8, 3.5.6, 19.1.2, 19.1.4, 19.1.6, 19.1.7; CZMP: 8a 46. To-the-door information for rural landholders (a) In collaboration with stakeholders, Council will develop and distribute an annual biodiversity and land-management information pack to all rural and rural residential landholders within the Lismore LGA. (b) The above distribution of information will ensure: i. Landholders are aware of land-management incentives, resources and related opportunities. ii. Landholders are encouraged to take up land-management practices that are beneficial for effective management of their ecosystem services. iii. Minimisation of duplication of educational resources between local government organisations (e.g. FNCW, RRC and Rous Water). L CAP2: 2.1.3, 2.2.5, 2.2.6, 2.2.9, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.5, 3.7.1; BRR: 2.1.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 3.1.7, 3.3.1, 3.3.5, 3.3.7; NRR: 3.5.7; CZMP: 5b, 5c, 8a Community groups; LLS; RRCC; landholders; agricultural industry bodies, SCU; contractors; SFFA Ongoing Indicative budget Up to $120,000 Funding source SRV, existing LCC budget or external grant funding (see Appendix 8 for detail on funding options) Responsible party LCC Environmental Strategies working with LCC Finance, & LCC Media Coordinator Community groups; LLS; RRCC; FNCW; landholders; agricultural industry bodies; contractor Rous Water; RRCC; FNCW; WIRES; NRWC; SFFA Ongoing $86,000 SRV, existing LCC budget or external grant funding (see Appendix 8 for detail on funding options) Ongoing $5,000 SRV, existing LCC budget or external grant funding (see Appendix 8 for detail on funding options) LCC Environmental Strategies working with LCC Human Resources & LCC Community Services LCC Environmental Strategies working with LCC Media Coordinator, LCC Community Services, & LCC Administration | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | ID # Action Partnerships 47. Partnerships with industry Council will seek partnerships with agricultural industry groups to: (a) Develop and implement on-ground programs that benefit biodiversity conservation or ecosystem service management and sustainable agriculture. For example, LCC will investigate partnerships with the Australian Macadamia Society to: i. ii. Identify, protect and enhance areas containing wild Macadamia populations to protect genetic stocks for the future. If possible, provide access to Council chipped green waste and a level of access to chippers to assist Macadamia growers to manage soil erosion and associated impacts. (b) Develop and implement land-management initiatives associated with delivery of the BMS (e.g. education and incentives). 48. Partner for rural riparian restoration Work with RRCC on the implementation of the CZMP (Hydrosphere Consulting 2011) and on-ground riparian restoration projects in rural areas of the Lismore LGA. This will include the management of priority weed species such as Indian Coral Tree. M RRCC; FNCW; contractors; others as required 10 years $449,750 (over 10 years) SRV, existing LCC budget or external grant funding (see Appendix 8 for detail on funding options) LCC Environmental Strategies M Priority H/M/L Links Partners Indicative duration CAP2: 2.2.5, 2.2.6, 2.2.9, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.5, 3.5.2, 3.7.1; BRR: 5.4.5; CZMP: 5b, 5c Landholders; agricultural industry bodies; community groups; LLS; RRCC; FNCW; SFFA Ongoing Indicative budget Up to $10,000 Funding source SRV, existing LCC budget or external grant funding (see Appendix 8 for detail on funding options) Responsible party LCC Environmental Strategies working with LCC Media Coordinator; LCC Community Services. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | ID # Action Program design 42. Design phases With Southern Cross University (SCU) and other stakeholders, Council will design a long-term Rural Landholder Initiative. The initiative will be developed in phases (see Appendix 7 for details): Phase 1: Design and conceptualisation of the initiative. Phase 2: Consultation with rural landholders across five major sectors. Phase 3: Identification and development of incentives and policies. Phase 4: Design of pilot project(s) and preparation of funding application(s). 43. Implementation of pilot projects (a) Based on the design phase (Action 42), pilot projects will be used to test and improve the proposed incentives and policies underpinning the Rural Landholder Initiative. (b) Council will seek further partnerships to implement, monitor, report on and improve these pilot projects. See Appendix 7 for details of the proposed pilot projects. M H Priority H/M/L Links Partners Indicative duration CAP2: 2.1.3, 2.2.5, 2.2.6, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.5, 3.5.1, 3.6.2, 3.7.2, 5.4.4; BRR: 3.3.1; NRR: 3.4.1, 19.1.3; CZMP: 5b, 5c SCU; community groups; LLS; RRCC; landholders; agricultural industry bodies 8 months Indicative budget $30,000 Funding source LCC budget ($15,000) and external grant funding (SCU: $15,000) Responsible party LCC Environmental Strategies CAP2: 2.2.5, 2.2.6, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.5, 3.5.1, 3.6.2, 3.7.2; BRR: 3.3.2, 3.3.5; NRR: 3.4.1, 19.1.3; CZMP: 5b, 5c SCU; community groups; LLS; RRCC; landholders; agricultural industry bodies; contractors 2 years $83,400 SRV ($33,400) Existing LCC budget (one of $50,000) LCC Environmental Strategies working with LCC Media Coordinator | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | Links to information on the Subtropical Farm Forestry Association. Links to local wildlife conservation and management groups. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | Many primary producers are also working actively to manage biodiversity, some in partnership with Council. For instance, in 2013 the Office of Environment and Heritage provided Council with $90,000 to partner with landholders to restore priority koala habitat. Council worked with 20 landholders (mostly cattle graziers and cane growers) to restore and protect native vegetation along riverbanks and streams on 20 properties. For this project regeneration and revegetation works were conducted over an area of 20.0 ha, over 2200 koala food and habitat trees were planted and regeneration of native vegetation and revegetation was conducted in eight riverbank areas, which has also led to positive outcomes for bank erosion and water quality. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | Non-financial incentives Council will seek partnering opportunities to implement non-financial incentives, such as: (a) Provision of discounted or free native plants or materials for weed control to qualifying landholders. This partnership would be developed along with eligibility criteria. This may involve Council partnering with local native nurseries. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | Increase knowledge of ecosystem services provided by native vegetation and biodiversity, and increase skills and sustained changes in behaviour that lead to best-practice management of those ecosystem services, including protection of aquatic and marine systems. Promote incremental change from current practice to best-practice land management through property management planning and promotion of the Biodiversity ABCD Framework (see section 7.1.1 of this Appendix). Promote private land covenants and land acquisition within identified linkages and other priority areas. Promote the incremental establishment of vegetation linkages across cleared landscapes through the use of mixed-species timber plantations, vegetation rehabilitation, shelterbelts and targeted revegetation programs. Promote options for grants to private landholders for protection of rainforest and related vegetation and rehabilitation in priority areas. Promote best-practice weed removal and management techniques to minimise impacts on native habitats and the agricultural environment. Promote the importance of wetlands and riparian vegetation and the rehabilitation of these, including the promotion of off-stream watering points. 7.2.2 Education and extension Council will actively provide information to rural landholders through a number of ongoing educational programs that take account of outcomes and recommendations from the design phases of the Rural landholder Initiative (above). These may include: Field days at demonstration sites managed by landholder champions to enable knowledge sharing of knowledge, development of practical skills and development of skills to apply best practice management of ecosystem services. Development and distribution of resource kits tailored to each agricultural industry and lifestyle landholders, to communicate specific best-practice management methods of ecosystem services tailored to their industries. Facilitation of a reference group of industry and community stakeholders to provide advice on implementation of the education program. These should be champions from each of the five landholder categories, who will employ and advocate for best-practice land management. Facilitate property management planning, project management and follow-up support for effective property and project management. Council will also employ a Natural Resource Management Extension Officer to deliver biodiversity extension services to the community and landholders. These could include training forums and workshops, field days, and individual consultations. Specific extension activities could include: Support the implementation of voluntary conservation, restoration and management of Koala habitat by individuals and community groups by assisting with the search for grant funding and providing technical support. Education programs and provision of on-ground advice. Property-based biodiversity assessments to inform incentive program eligibility or farm management plans. Advice on threatened species and conservation management, and provision of background information. Advice and information on effective management of ecosystem services. Advice on weed identification, weed management, bush regeneration, revegetation and animal pest control. Information and training on developing community partnerships (e.g. encouraging landholder to seek effective community and neighbour partnerships to achieve positive biodiversity and ecosystem service outcomes). | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | Property planning advice provision of available data and assistance in the preparation of property management plans. Advice on forms of assistance available to manage biodiversity values. Information of ecosystem services and biodiversity, including best-practice management of wetlands and the values of hollow-bearing trees, dead trees, fallen timber and hollow logs. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | viii. Agricultural industry events. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | (b) Education and incentives will increase the capacity of landholders and the community to conduct best-practice land management with the aim of benefitting biodiversity and, in turn, ecosystem services and sustainable agriculture. The Initiative will provide easy-to-use information and resources tailored to industry sectors (see Appendix 7). (c) Council will seek partnerships and funding opportunities to deliver the educational initiatives and incentives in the BMS | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | b) On the website, provide resources and links for the community on how to manage biodiversity on their land and, where possible, gain assistance to do so. For example, the website will include links to: i. Opportunities for Council funding and external grants, including opportunities to lodge an expression of interest in Council incentive programs (e.g. incentive payments for managing and enhancing ecosystem services through the Rural Landholder Initiative). ii. FNCW resources and events (e.g. Look Learn Act website). iii. Rous Water initiatives and events. iv. Local Landcare groups, including Soil Care Inc. v. Opportunities to pursue environmental product labelling and promotion of environmental stewardship, such as Land for Wildlife. vi. Voluntary land acquisition and revolving funds (e.g. Nature Conservation Trust of NSW). vii. Relevant educational programs and resources, including the Weed Warriors and Weed Web school programs. viii. Pest management websites. ix. Best-practice farming management practices for biodiversity and commercial productivity benefits. x. Key research findings relevant to the Lismore LGA. xi. xii. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | Council will also employ a Natural Resource Management Extension Officer to deliver biodiversity extension services to the community and landholders. These could include training forums and workshops, field days, and individual consultations. Specific extension activities could include:  Support the implementation of voluntary conservation, restoration and management of Koala habitat by individuals and community groups by assisting with the search for grant funding and providing technical support.  Education programs and provision of on-ground advice.  Property-based biodiversity assessments to inform incentive program eligibility or farm management plans.  Advice on threatened species and conservation management, and provision of background information.  Advice and information on effective management of ecosystem services.  Advice on weed identification, weed management, bush regeneration, revegetation and animal pest control.  Information and training on developing community partnerships (e.g. encouraging landholder to seek effective community and neighbour partnerships to achieve positive biodiversity and ecosystem service outcomes). 91 Lismore City Council Biodiversity Management Strategy  Property planning advice provision of available data and assistance in the preparation of property management plans.  Advice on forms of assistance available to manage biodiversity values.  Information of ecosystem services and biodiversity, including best-practice management of wetlands and the values of hollow-bearing trees, dead trees, fallen timber and hollow logs. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | iv. Carp muster event (Bogan Shire Council initiative) and promotion of commercial fisheries targeting Carp for on-sale through organisations such as the Ballina Fishing Cooperative. v. Partnership with the Australian Macadamia Society for conservation and erosion prevention programs. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Lismore | Regional |
| Biodiversity Management Strategy for the Lismore Local Government Area 2015–2035. | Links to information on the Subtropical Farm Forestry Association. Links to local wildlife conservation and management groups. C | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Lismore | Regional |