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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2030 AGRICULTURAL STRATEGY | The successful management of large scale saleyards requires specialised skills. Going forward the CWLE will require an experienced and strong manager to oversee the commercial and operational relationship with livestock agents, ensure regulatory compliance, manage staff and oversee improvements. Council has recognised this need and is seeking to recruit a specialist manager for this role. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Forbes | Regional |
| 2018-2030 AGRICULTURAL STRATEGY | 2. Develop the Central West Industrial Park (CWIP) into an agri-food industrial precinct, leveraging its key location in relation to major transport routes and the nearby Parkes Intermodal Terminal. Implement Stage 2 planning for the development, incorporating additional land adjoining the CWLE, and develop a prospectus marketing the CWIP as an ideal location for food processing (including meat processing), agricultural engineering/fabrication, farm machinery, rural supplies and other value-added uses | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Forbes | Regional |
| 2018-2030 AGRICULTURAL STRATEGY | 22. As per Recommendation 7 in the Transport and Supply Chains section, develop road train access along the Newell Highway to the CWLE, removing a key competitive advantage enjoyed by the Dubbo Saleyards. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Forbes | Regional |
| 2018-2030 AGRICULTURAL STRATEGY | Transport and Supply Chains 7. Continue to develop and implement the Council Freight Network Action Plan, upgrading road infrastructure to ensure access/links to key regional markets (including wet weather, road train access, etc). Priorities include: • Supporting efforts to obtain funding to upgrade the Newell Highway to ensure flood proofing, train access (particularly between Forbes and Parkes) and additional overtaking lanes. • Upgrading key bridges across the Lachlan River to take B-doubles, road trains and oversized loads with benefits to include improved access for cotton to Trangie and grain to Bogan Gate. • Seeking to improve road access for trucks travelling from south and east of the Shire to the CWLE. Currently trucks are travelling on back roads to save time, leading to road degradation and safety issues. • Exploring opportunities to improve flexibility and communications around heavy vehicle movement restrictions during wet weather/flooding. 8. Assist with lobbying efforts to remove unnecessary regulatory constraints on the movement of oversized agricultural equipment and for fair consideration in Chain of Responsibility legislation. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Forbes | Regional |
| 2018-2030 AGRICULTURAL STRATEGY | 2. Develop the Central West Industrial Park (CWIP) into an agri-food industrial precinct, leveraging its key location in relation to major transport routes and the nearby Parkes Intermodal Terminal. Implement Stage 2 planning for the development, incorporating additional land adjoining the CWLE, and develop a prospectus marketing the CWIP as an ideal location for food processing (including meat processing), agricultural engineering/fabrication, farm machinery, rural supplies and other value-added uses | Sustainability and Environment | Local, sustainable food processing | NSW | Forbes | Regional |
| 2018-2030 AGRICULTURAL STRATEGY | 9.Plan for the potential development of processing facilities, such as an abattoir, cotton gin or dairy processing facility. | Sustainability and Environment | Local, sustainable food processing | NSW | Forbes | Regional |
| 2018-2030 AGRICULTURAL STRATEGY | 6. Work with existing agencies (e.g. DPI and LLS) and networks (e.g. Landcare) to facilitate landholder involvement in sustainable farming systems, climate change adaptation, biosecurity and emergency preparedness. | Sustainability and Environment | Food supply and food system resilience | NSW | Forbes | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | 2.5 Develop agricultural industry opportunities in the Shire. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | The development of an Agribusiness Development Strategy has been deferred to the 2019/2020 Operational Plan. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | 2.5 Develop agricultural industry opportunities in the Shire. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Challenges The relentless drought has been the dominant challenge for Council, the Shire, our region and more broadly across NSW for 2018/19. Council has responded in various ways, for example: ÔÉ™ Council provided over 850KL of free water to farmers in 2018, working closely with Rotary to provide free delivery of water to farmers across the region. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | The development of an Agribusiness Development Strategy has been deferred to the 2019/2020 Operational Plan. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Implement an agricultural investment attraction program highlighting regional suitability for diversification. Ongoing Acting upon the Land Capability study undertaken in partnership with Deakin University and the Glenelg Hopkins CMA, the Economic Development Tourism Unit attended their third HORT Connections in Melbourne in June. The Greater Hamilton booth at HORT Connections was one of the most attended sites throughout the convention with many horticulture growers wanting to learn more about the region and what we have to offer. The EDTU is liaising with a number of growers in relation to establishing a site within the region. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | 1,011,364 – Sheep and lambs sold at the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | A range of promotional products were created including caps, bumper stickers and fridge magnets, all focused on the ‘Your Livestock Exchange’ tagline and designed to raise brand awareness and community ownership of the facility. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Complete stage three of the Livestock Exchange roof over the Cattle Yards • Completion of canteen facilities upgrade at Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Completion of stage three of the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange works | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Council celebrate the completion of a number of major community infrastructure projects, including significant progress on the final stages of the Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange (HRLX) project, delivery of over 90% of the entire capital works program | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Instigate an Organics Centre of Excellence; | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Balranald | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Council has continued significant effort and investment into digital transformation and this culminated in the hugely successful Digital Innovation and Smart Agriculture Festival or DISA, held in May 2019. This event ran over two days with visits to ‘smart farms’, a conference day in Hamilton and then topping off with students and youth showcasing the technology available for learning and education in the Hub at Hamilton. It is likely this event will continue and grow with more support from across Australia. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Council hosted the inaugural Digital Innovation and Smart Agriculture festival in 2018/19. The three-day event showcased smart agriculture and how IoT is transforming farm management, rural councils who are leading the way in transforming into smart communities, insights from industry leaders on data-driven decision making and business optimisation. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Developing the regional economy and businesses Service Ojective: To develop our regional economy and businesses and achieve a strong, diversified local and regional economy. Services include: economic and business development, events support, tourism and visitor services, caravan parks, Land development, airport and livestock exchange operations and development. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Development of masterplans for the Hamilton Livestock Exchange and the Hamilton Airport and subsequent capital works to improve these vital assets | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | 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. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | A comprehensive education program to facilitate increased community understanding of reducing food and green waste diversion to landfill was conducted during 2018/19. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Council’s Sustainable Futures Program received two state awards this year: • Winner, Environmental Communication Category – Keep Australia Beautiful NSW 2018 Sustainable Communities Awards – November 2018; • Winner, Division A and Overall Communication, Education and Empowerment Category Winner – Local Government NSW 2018 Excellence in the Environment Awards – December 2018. The Sustainable Futures Program includes a range of activities which help to empower the community to make sustainable choices and improve outcomes by reducing food waste, improving water efficiency, growing local food and increasing rates of up-cycling and renewable energy uptake. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Sustainability engagement The Sustainability Hub allows Council to demonstrate practical ways that the community can be water and energy efficient and reduce waste going to landfill. A range of community events have been held at the Sustainability Hub, including school holiday activities for Muswellbrook High School, Girl Guides Muswellbrook, Pacific Brook Christian School, Hunter Park Family Centre and Goodstart Early Learning Muswellbrook. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Driven by the community’s expectations, Council is working with industry and the research sector to maximise emerging opportunities and reduce volatility of the resources dominated local economy. Council is fostering the transition towards new industries such as renewable energy, bioresources and intensive smart agriculture, while continuing to support the growth of our existing viticulture and equine industries. The diversification of our economy can be achieved by promoting and building on the strengths of the region with our skilled workforce and existing infrastructure assets. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Muswellbrook | Regional |
| 2018/19 Annual Report | Hamilton Regional Livestock Exchange Advisory Committee | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Southern Grampians | Regional |