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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM STRATEGY | Sectors with good potential in Loddon which have lower reliance on water resources, but require other infrastructure; such as serviced industrial land, access to major roads (capable of handling B-doubles and possibly even road-trains in the future) and power include:  food and beverage processing (including stockfeed)  distribution and logistics services  renewable energies and biofuels. Proactive Council investment and innovation services to attract these industry sectors could encompass:  developing investment guides for targeted industries  assistance with feasibilities and/or business cases for significant individual investment opportunities  negotiating alliance partners in the supply chain (suppliers, processors or logistics providers)  provision of industrial land packages (such as flexibility on small or large lot configurations, support in connecting services to headworks, any potential rate relief, and the ability to stage land development)  supporting significant businesses in their applications for relevant State and Commonwealth grant programs  liaison with infrastructure providers on behalf of businesses  liaison with regional organisations in garnering support for new business investments  assisting to build regional collaborative structures which involve one or more Loddon businesses. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM STRATEGY | Strategy 5: Collaborate with regional economic and tourism development organisations to capitalise on broader opportunities Collaboration beyond local government area boundaries is sensible when opportunities have regional significance (e.g. water pipelines, tourism trails, intensive livestock, and the application of agricultural research and development). | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM STRATEGY | strengthening the diverse agricultural base, notably in intensive livestock and a range of artisanal products | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM STRATEGY | The function has existed for many years within Council with at least one dedicated officer focused solely on economic development, tourism and/or agribusiness development. The economic development function has now been Page 8 of 47 spread across several positions which have part-economic development roles, combined with other responsibilities. This is appropriate and consistent with the fact that economic, social and environmental management are all interconnected. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM STRATEGY | There are several formally structured regional organisations and informal regional alliances in which Council is a participant, such as:  Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership  Bendigo Tourism  Bendigo Regional Tourism  Murray River Group of Councils  Central Victorian Agribusiness Forum | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM STRATEGY | There has been recent debate over the possibility of placing new international migrants in regional cities and towns to help in stemming the growth pains and infrastructure costs of expanding metropolitan areas. Loddon Shire has been able to demonstrate credentials in this strategy, as a ‘success story’ through the experience of Kia Ora piggery attracting Filipino migrants to Pyramid Hill. These residents now form over twenty per cent of the town’s population, providing skilled labour and active volunteers. Loddon towns could extend this experience by new targeting of migrant families to work in local industry sectors, particularly those where commuting to work from beyond the Shire is prevalent (such as intensive livestock production, horticulture, health services and education). | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM STRATEGY | There is strong support for broadacre farming industries in the Shire, which will always be a major fabric of the Loddon economy; grains, grain legumes and oilseeds, sheep, beef and some dairy. However, Council has neither the expertise nor resources to influence further development in this sector, other than helping to facilitate infrastructure and supporting ‘right to farm’ legislation and provisions. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Loddon | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 -2021 | Implement the Affordable Housing Policy and Council's planning controls for housing diversity and accommodation for a broad range of income levels and key workers | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Parramatta | Metropolitan |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 -2021 | Environmental Health Officers help keep the Local Government Area safe and open for business by regulating parking, outdoor dining and conducting inspections of food premises. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Parramatta | Metropolitan |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 -2021 | Council is currently developing a Destination Management Plan (DMP) for building and managing the City of Parramatta LGA’s growing visitor economy. The DMP will have a strong focus on ‘uniquely Parramatta’ experiences around food, | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Parramatta | Metropolitan |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 -2021 | Encourage visitors to City of Parramatta LGA to visit the local 'hidden gems' in local and neighbourhood centres with a variety of unique restaurants and retail offerings | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Parramatta | Metropolitan |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2017 -2021 | Promote local businesses, local investment opportunities, and encourage the community to ‘buy local’, prepare home-based business factsheets, workshops and networking events | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Parramatta | Metropolitan |
| Economic Development Policy | 13. Support ‘value add’ opportunities and diversification in key sectors (i.e. horticulture, agriculture, forestry; creative industries, tourism, hospitality and retail). | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Kyogle | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRA TEG Y | Working with local industry, Council has already embarked on efforts to identify and support the expansion and diversification of agribusiness activity. This includes looking into productivity improvements through infrastructure investment and innovation; new niche markets, including agribusiness training; and new sectors (e.g. horticulture) | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Wellington | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRA TEG Y | In Wellington, market prospects are particularly good in high quality dairy, horticulture and food processing. Underpinning this is Southern Rural Water’s Macalister Irrigation District. This is the largest irrigation system in Southern Victoria with 1,000 customers and over 650km of channels. Council continues to advocate for further modernisation as part of Southern Rural Water’s MID2030 project, which will stimulate major expansion of dairy and vegetable growing. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Wellington | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRA TEG Y | In Wellington, market prospects are particularly good in high quality dairy, horticulture and food processing. Underpinning this is Southern Rural Water’s Macalister Irrigation District. This is the largest irrigation system in Southern Victoria with 1,000 customers and over 650km of channels. Council continues to advocate for further modernisation as part of Southern Rural Water’s MID2030 project, which will stimulate major expansion of dairy and vegetable growing. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Wellington | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRA TEG Y | Working with local industry, Council has already embarked on efforts to identify and support the expansion and diversification of agribusiness activity. This includes looking into productivity improvements through infrastructure investment and innovation; new niche markets, including agribusiness training; and new sectors (e.g. horticulture). In timber, the emphasis is on greater efficiency in milling, the potential use of biomass to become more energy efficient, and expanding both domestic and international markets. All of these opportunities rely on better connectivity to suppliers and markets. Given the size of agribusiness and its importance across the region, the recently established Invest Gippsland group, led by Regional Development Australia, is the ideal forum through which to continue support for the sector. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Wellington | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRA TEG Y | A well-considered program of events to launch the Port of Sale redevelopment will help to raise awareness and could form part of an ongoing events calendar that has a State-wide as well as local and regional draw. In contrast to the natural landscape, the emphasis here could be on arts and culture to fit with the Port of Sale cultural hub but it could also encourage local food and produce, which is a growing events market in itself. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Wellington | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRA TEG Y | Working with local industry, Council has already embarked on efforts to identify and support the expansion and diversification of agribusiness activity. This includes looking into productivity improvements through infrastructure investment and innovation; new niche markets, including agribusiness training; and new sectors (e.g. horticulture). In timber, the emphasis is on greater efficiency in milling, the potential use of biomass to become more energy efficient, and expanding both domestic and international markets. All of these opportunities rely on better connectivity to suppliers and markets. Given the size of agribusiness and its importance across the region, the recently established Invest Gippsland group, led by Regional Development Australia, is the ideal forum through which to continue support for the sector. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Wellington | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | Advocate, Support and Deliver opportunities for the Region to become a Centre of Excellence in various fields including Agriculture, Food Production, Food Distribution, Education, Health Services and Technology. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Bega | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | Investigate opportunities for an Agriculture Centre of Excellent in the Region. Investigate opportunities for a Food Production and Distribution Centre of Excellence in the Region. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Bega | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | Advocate, Support and Deliver opportunities for the Region to become a Centre of Excellence in various fields including Agriculture, Food Production, Food Distribution, Education, Health Services and Technology. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Bega | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | Investigate opportunities for a Food Production and Distribution Centre of Excellence in the Region. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Bega | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Explore opportunities to add-value to the local agribusiness industries – While there are few commercial agribusiness operations in the Borough, the Borough’s neighbouring council areas contain boutique wineries, olive groves, hydroponic vegetables, fishing, aquaculture and other agricultural enterprises. The challenge is to understand the specific opportunities to encourage businesses that add scale or value to these industries, such as value adding to produce, gourmet local food retailing/distribution, or service offerings to local businesses such as wine bottling. Key to this is understanding the true nature of competition. Lead Council Level of Importance Medium Anticipated timeframe 2-5 years | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Queenscliff | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Diversify and grow agricultural base and a growing reputation for quality seafood, dairy, vegetables | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Eurobodalla | Regional |
| Economic Development Strategy | Diversifying agricultural base and a growing reputation for quality seafood, dairy, vegetables A | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Eurobodalla | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | 2.4.3 Ensure Council policies recognise the value associated with the Shire’s rural land and the areas which should be retained indefinitely to support agricultural production and flora and fauna ecosystems, protect heritage sites and to safeguard lifestyle and tourism attributes | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Narromine | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | 2.4.8 Develop and update case studies of innovative agricultural businesses | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Narromine | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | AGRICULTURE 2.4.1 Work with industry groups within the sector to lobby for adequate water licences for agricultural production. 2.4.2 Partner with key water management stakeholders to pursue regional and catchment scale approaches to better managing our water resources | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | NSW | Narromine | Regional |
| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY | 2.4.4 Explore the potential for a feedlot development within the Shire | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Narromine | Regional |