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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | Food processing/manufacturing Рventures which “add value” to local agricultural produce and/or support food-based tourism. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | Investigate feasibility of establishing a manufacturing food hub (with tourism elements) in the Southern Cross Industrial Estate in proximity to the Ballina-Byron Gateway Airport. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | POLICY Council will continue to review the policy and the regulatory arrangements that impact business, in an effort to reduce unnecessary or onerous restrictions whilst protecting the public interest in relation to public amenity and the environment. Council has identified several areas of potential policy changes relating to business activity that may warrant particular attention. These policy areas include: • Farm-based tourism – providing for additional rural tourism opportunities including roadside stalls and other forms of food-based retail that leverage the agricultural character and productivity of rural areas. • Mobile food vending – Facilitating mobile food vending (food trucks, coffee vans and the like) within the road network and at key locations in the open space network. The purpose of this policy is to encourage vibrancy, activity and economic opportunities associated with lifestyle, leisure and passive recreation. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | Review Council’s public land management policies to facilitate place activation of the open space network through the commercial use of key public land areas/ activity nodes (such as “food trucks” and watercraft hire). | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | Rural tourism leveraging the productive and aesthetic qualities of our agricultural areas through food and farm tourism. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | INTERNAL REFERENCE GROUP It is proposed that an internal reference group be established, on an as needs basis, comprising relevant Council staff tasked to ensure the timely consideration and facilitation of proposals that involve strategically important industries. For the purpose of this process, strategically important industries include multimedia and creative arts, niche tech industries, tourist facilities, transport and freight logistics and food product manufacturing, where the total project investment is greater than $1 million. The internal reference group would be formed at the request of the General Manager. It is anticipated that depending on the circumstances, staff representation | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | would comprise planners (development assessment and strategic), building inspectors, environmental health officers, engineers and (where necessary) finance staff. An independent Chairperson would be appointed and empowered by the General Manager to ensure consideration of the potential economic benefits of proposals when reviewing requests for the variation of development standards and/or the waiving of Council fees and charges (where such discretion exists). Any recommendations regarding such matters would be clearly set out on the public record to ensure transparency and accountability. An additional benefit of the internal reference group process would be to provide staff with confidence regarding the facilitation of particular proposals that meet the Council’s strategic direction for the shire’s economic development. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | • Facilitating the clustering of compatible businesses (for example airport related industry and food product manufacturing “food hub”) in order to support opportunities associated with shortened supply chains, improved availability of skilled workers, spin-offs and the potential for sharing infrastructure, suppliers, marketing and distribution networks. • Investigate feasibility of establishing a manufacturing food hub (with tourism elements) in the Southern Cross Industrial Estate in proximity to the Ballina-Byron Gateway Airport. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | • Facilitating the clustering of compatible businesses (for example airport related industry and food product manufacturing “food hub”) in order to support opportunities associated with shortened supply chains, improved availability of skilled workers, spin-offs and the potential for sharing infrastructure, suppliers, marketing and distribution networks. • Investigate feasibility of establishing a manufacturing food hub (with tourism elements) in the Southern Cross Industrial Estate in proximity to the Ballina-Byron Gateway Airport. | Sustainability and Environment | Local, sustainable food processing | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | Food processing/manufacturing – ventures which “add value” to local agricultural produce and/or support food-based tourism. | Sustainability and Environment | Local, sustainable food processing | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | Prepare an investment prospectus to attract emerging and strategically important industries and talent that take advantage of the shire’s natural endowments and opportunities. Strategically important industries and talent include multimedia and creative arts, webbased entrepreneurs and niche tech industries, tourist facilities, transport and freight logistics and food product manufacturing. | Sustainability and Environment | Local, sustainable food processing | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| E C O N O M I C DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | Preparation of fact-sheets addressing: development application process; LEP & DCP amendment processes; standard requirements for key development types (such as food premises), including information regarding fees and charges, waste management, food inspections, commercial use of footpaths, commercial use of public land etc | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| E CONOMIC DEVELOPMENT S T RA TEGY | 14. Develop and support projects which generate job creation opportunities. Food Cluster Feasibility Study. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Port Macquarie-Hastings | Regional |
| E CONOMIC DEVELOPMENT S T RA TEGY | 19. Provide timely support to existing and emerging industries in a partnership capacity to encourage growth and sustainability. Food Industry Development including a focus on value-adding. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Port Macquarie-Hastings | Regional |
| E CONOMIC DEVELOPMENT S T RA TEGY | This strategy represents a commitment by business, industry and council who are united in their desire to see the Port Macquarie-Hastings region realise its full potential. This will be achieved by supporting existing, new and emerging industries such as health and aged care, education & training, manufacturing, construction, creative industries, tourism & events, agribusiness and small business/home based business, amongst others. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Port Macquarie-Hastings | Regional |
| Early Years Action Plan 2017-2021 Background The early years action plan is part of a suite of action plans that respond to the Wellbeing for All Ages and Abilities Strategy 20172021 (WAAA). | Objective 2.2 Increase healthy eating Promote the benefits of breastfeeding, including available community supports and information Increased in breastfeeding rates in Bayside from 70% to 75% | Health and Wellbeing | Breastfeeding | Victoria | Bayside | Metropolitan |
| Economic Development Strategy | Wollongong’s advanced manufacturing sector is fast changing and diversifying, with significant operations in industrial, chemicals, mining, defence, construction, textiles and food and beverage, as well as exploring opportunites in emerging fields such as renewable energy. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Wollongong | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | The types of events Destination Wollongong targets cover sport, adventure, the arts, innovation, food & beverage and motoring. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Wollongong | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Invite startups, vendors and researchers developing new agricultural and food processing technologies to showcase and trial their innovations within Moira Shire in collaboration with local businesses. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Moira | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Advocate for and support initiatives to increase the availability of water at lower cost to agriculture within the region. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Moira | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Implement the Mid Eastern Murray Farm to Plate Cluster Plan actions. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Moira | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Explore the feasibility of establishing a production facility that would act as a cooperative hub for valueadded / artisan food producers. | Sustainability and Environment | Local, sustainable food processing | Victoria | Moira | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Invite startups, vendors and researchers developing new agricultural and food processing technologies to showcase and trial their innovations within Moira Shire in collaboration with local businesses. | Sustainability and Environment | Local, sustainable food processing | Victoria | Moira | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Implement the Mid Eastern Murray Farm to Plate Cluster Plan actions. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Moira | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Explore the feasibility of establishing a production facility that would act as a cooperative hub for valueadded / artisan food producers. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Moira | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Invite startups, vendors and researchers developing new agricultural and food processing technologies to showcase and trial their innovations within Moira Shire in collaboration with local businesses. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Moira | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy Georges River: Places for working, business and lifestyle 2018-2022 | Advocate for the NSW Government to include key worker housing for moderate income earners in affordable housing initiatives. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Georges River | Metropolitan |
| Economic Development Strategy Georges River: Places for working, business and lifestyle 2018-2022 | Affordable housing policy allows key workers to live locally. Comprehensive LEP and DCP and revised Guidelines incorporate results of housing strategy. Representations made to the NSW Government on affordable rental housing and mandatory affordable housing requirements in the Standard Instrument LEP Affordable and/or diverse housing provided as part of Council-led development proposals. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Georges River | Metropolitan |
| Economic Development Strategy Georges River: Places for working, business and lifestyle 2018-2022 | Make representations to the NSW Government on affordable rental housing and mandatory affordable housing requirements | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Georges River | Metropolitan |
| ECONOMIC | A range of intensive industries that are less reliant on soil and water but have the capacity to increase production, increase employment and drive population growth should be supported. Intensive animal industries such as poultry, pigs, dairy and beef, a variety of crops grown through intensive hydroponics, and feed production to support intensive animal industries should be key focus areas for the Gannawarra. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Gannawarra | Regional |