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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| Document title | Relevant text in the policy | Domain | Topic | State | Local Government name | Council type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADVOCACY PRIORITIES | The success of the northern Victorian ‘foodbowl’ lies in the availability of irrigation water through the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID). Campaspe Shire Council – along with the Murray River Group of Councils – has been an advocate for water reform through the Murray Darling Basin Plan, recognising the need for balance through healthy rivers, a strong economy and flourishing communities. However, the sourcing of yet-further water from northern Victoria remains a considerable risk to the economy and livelihood of the region. Continued investment in water infrastructure – including water delivery systems and on-farm efficiency – is critical to ensuring the objective of a ‘balanced Basin Plan’ can be met. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Campaspe | Regional |
| Advocacy Strategy | Water – Murray Darling Basin Plan What is Council requesting? Council are advocating for: • No further productive water acquisition through buy-backs from the Southern Basin, as the impacts on our communities are far too great. • Greater detail on the benefits, uses, and regulation of environmental water. • All regions across the Murray Darling Basin to have the same standard of compliance, metering, and measurement as the systems currently implemented in the Murray system. • Water is the key economic driver of our region and we have already made a significant contribution to water recovery, we believe no further water should be removed Why? In February 2018, the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) released the Southern Basin Community profiles. Within the Edward River local government area, a community profile was completed for Deniliquin. This report found that between 2001 and 2016 the following has occurred: • Population decreased by 12.2% • Total workforce decreased by 26.4% (747 FTE) • Agricultural workforce decreased by 73.1% (791 FTE) • Agricultural manufacturing workforce increased by 74.7% (70 FTE) • Non-agricultural private workforce decreased by 16.7% (624 FTE) • Government services workforces increased by 18.5% (94 FTE) (Deniliquin Township Community Profile, 2018) Similar numbers to the Deniliquin Township community profile are seen right across the Southern Basin and Murray-Riverina region. Council acknowledges that across the period of 2001 to 2016 there have been many significant changes to the economic structure of rural and regional communities. In particular, the significant changes being seen in the agriculture sector and the restructuring of this workforce contribute to the reduction in population and workforce. The impacts not just on the agricultural sector, but the flow-on impacts to all other sectors have been significant and the current approach to assessing and understanding these impacts has been poor. This must be improved so that the triple bottom line outcomes originally envisaged can be achieved. Regardless of these broader impacts, any further reduction in productive water from our region will have significant negative impacts on our entire community. Council does not support any further reduction in productive water. Supporting Strategies Edward River 2030 Community Strategic Plan MDBA Community Profiles – Deniliquin Township Community Profile Basin Plan Socio-economic impacts – Murray Valley – RMCG for the Murray Group | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | NSW | Edward River | Regional |
| Advocacy Strategy | › Economic Development РRegional Agriculture Strategy What is Council requesting? Funding towards the development of a Regional Agriculture Strategy. Why? The Riverina and Murray region encompasses an area of approximately 130,000 kilometres and spans 24 local government areas. This region currently produces approximately 9 per cent of Australia’s agricultural products. Primary producers across the region are facing significant challenges including the availability of water, changing weather patterns, access to qualified labour and changing market demands. There are also future opportunities across the Riverina and Murray, such as produce diversification. Edward River Council is in the unique position to be central to the region and can develop a strategy that will support and guide future opportunities. Council has been working with Murray Irrigation Limited and a number of other local and regional stakeholders already to identify some of the opportunities available. This strategy will create a 30-year vision for agriculture to future proof the region. A focus for the strategy will be to bring together a scientific approach that identifies areas suitable for specific produce and then link this with the development of business cases for the produce. This evidence-based approach will assist to support existing farmers to transition to new forms of production and also act as an investment prospectus to attract new investment to the region. Edward River Council Advocacy Strategy Version: 3, Version Date: 26/04/2019 Document Set ID: 68586 7 Anticipated cost The cost to develop a Regional Agriculture Strategy is estimated at $200,000. Supporting Strategies Edward River 2030 Community Strategic Plan McKinna Consulting – Agrifood Situation Analysis | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Edward River | Regional |
| Advocacy Strategy | Telecommunications – Mobile Blackspot Improvements What is Council requesting? Further investment from the State and Federal Governments in addressing mobile blackspots across regional NSW. Why? The Edward River region’s agriculture sector produces in excess of $250 million worth of regional exports annually. This is a significant contributor to the local, regional, state and national economies. To support the continued growth of agriculture, it is critical that mobile coverage is across the Edward River local government area and the broader Riverina and Murray region is improved. Due to the growing role of technology in the agriculture sector and its impact on farming operations, the ability to connect to mobile networks is essential. Reliable telecommunications infrastructure and mobile services will improve efficiency and effectiveness of farming operations, ensuring our agriculture sector remains well-positioned to continue contributing to the NSW economy. Without investment in this critical infrastructure it is likely that the NSW agriculture sector could become inefficient and uncompetitive against other states and countries which enjoy access to improved mobile networks. Improved telecommunications infrastructure will allow mobile blackspots to be addressed, enhancing efficiency and increasing the competitiveness of the NSW agriculture sector. Anticipated cost Council is seeking the State Government to establish a suitable funding program for enhancing mobile communications across regional NSW. While the State Government has introduced the Regional Growth Fund, which includes a Connecting Country Communities funding program; to date there has been no progress on delivering this funding program. Council is requesting that the State Government provide suitable funding to this program and enable councils across regional NSW to obtain funding under this program. Supporting Strategies Edward River 2030 Community Strategic Plan Edward River Economic Development Strategy Murray Region Regional Economic Development Strategy | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Edward River | Regional |
| ADVOCATING FOR STONNINGTON Public housing renewal | What needs to change? » Existing public housing land must be maximised to create additional public housing stock nearby jobs, public transport and services. » The 10 per cent increase in public housing stock and significantly limited housing choice is entirely inadequate to meet the growing housing crisis. » It is improper and a conflict of interest that the Minister for Planning makes himself the responsible authority for the site and removes any third party rights to object or appeal. This process excludes Council and the community from the normal transparent planning process. » It is imperative that the PHRP integrates and is consistent with the City of Stonnington Planning Scheme and gazetted Chapel reVision. » Redevelopments must achieve quality public realm and urban design outcomes that are respectful of neighbourhood character. » Where private stock is incorporated, integration of public and private dwellings is essential to reduce marginalisation of those living in public dwellings. Council action Council has: » written to the Minister for Planning and Housing on several occasions » made a submission and presented to the Parliament Inquiry into PHRH, and » partnered with Bayside City Council and the City of Boroondara to research future public housing demand within the region and form an advocacy alliance ‘People Before Profits’ campaign to advocate for increased public housing in our communities that follow proper public processes. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Stonnington | Metropolitan |
| Aerodromes – Grazing Rights | Purpose The purpose of this policy is to standardise grazing rights in order to ensure consistency across the shire. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | NSW | Carrathool | Regional |
| Af f or d a bl e H ou s i n g P o l ic y | 1.0 PURPOSE The purpose of this policy is to increase the supply of affordable housing (including affordable rental housing) in serviced residential areas of the town centres of the Hawkesbury Local Government Area (LGA). | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Hawkesbury | Metropolitan |
| Aff ordable Housing Action Plan 2019/20 | | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Moreland | Metropolitan |
| Aff ordable Housing Action Plan 2019/20 | | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Moreland | Metropolitan |
| Affordable Housing Policy 2016 – 2031 | Essentially, the Policy’s focus on providing affordable housing for key workers in Ryde LGA: • Identifies what is meant by affordable housing • Identifies which segments of the community are classified as key workers • Details the extent of the housing affordability issue for these people in Ryde LGA • Sets out the role of local government to advocate for, facilitate and provide affordable housing and some of the mechanisms available • Identifies 21 programs to support the Policy’s vision and goals. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Ryde | Metropolitan |
| Affordable Housing | Objective To commit Mid-Western Regional Council to the investigation and delivery of quality solutions to Affordable Housing in the region. To outline the demand for affordable housing To ensure that available funding opportunities are investigated for the provision of affordable housing in the Mid-Western Region. To reference best practice for the provision of affordable housing solutions To provide a policy framework that will focus on the establishment of partnerships with local stakeholders To outline a regime for the ongoing monitoring of housing and land supply. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Mid-Western Regional | Regional |
| Affordable Housing | 1. Purpose The focus of the policy is to require, through planning mechanisms, that new large scale development provides appropriate housing stock that is more likely to be affordable and appropriate to the future demographic needs of Clarence Valley Local Government Area. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Clarence Valley | Regional |
| Affordable Housing | Purpose of Policy Council is committed to increasing the range and supply of affordable housing in the Northern Beaches to meet the growing and changing needs of its community and particularly, key workers. The purpose of this policy is to outline Council’s position and approach to the provision of affordable housing in the Northern Beaches. The policy comprises principles and policy statements that together will guide Council’s actions to support affordable housing. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Northern Beaches | Metropolitan |
| AFFORDABLE HOUSING POLICY | Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish the City of Canada Bay’s (Council) approach to affordable housing. The policy: Defines the type of housing referred to in this policy Outlines Council’s principles (role and approach) to affordable housing Clarifies the intent of Council’s involvement in affordable housing Provides management guidelines for the ongoing operation of affordable housing units owned by Council (refer to Annexure 1). | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Canada Bay | Metropolitan |
| Affordable Housing Policy | 2.1 PART B: HOUSING POLICY Housing Goal The overarching goal of Council’s Affordable Housing Policy is: To facilitate the provision of affordable housing options within the Inner West Council area to meet the needs of very low, low and moderate income households so as to promote diversity, equity, liveability and sustainability. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Inner West | Metropolitan |
| Affordable Housing Policy | Objectives To assist d. Council will participate in local community renewal in the provision of affordable and appropriate housing for residents and employees living in the Randwick Local Government Area. To address the impacts housing affordability has on residents and employees defined as being in housing stress. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Randwick | Metropolitan |
| Affordable Housing Policy | The purpose of this Policy is to provide the community and Council staff with an understanding of the Warrnambool City Council objectives and approach to addressing housing affordability in Warrnambool. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Warrnambool | Regional |
| Affordable Housing Policy 2010 | Council will deliver on this commitment as follows: • Council will support affordable housin g in land use planning; • Council will advocate for affordable In short, Council has defined its role(s) as: • Planner; • • • Advocate. Regulator; Partner/su pporter; Council’s approach within each of these roles is defined in Table 1. Table 1 – How Council will support affordable housing Role Approach / Policy Statement Planner Planner Develop a local planning policy encouraging affordable hous inclusion in the Whitehorse Planning Scheme. ing for Continue to identify opportunities for affordable housing in designated structure plans. Where appropriate, provide greater detail to encourage a mix of low cost rental accommodation (through registered housing associations) as well as areas of greater diversity/density. Regulator Partner / Supporter Develop a coordinated approach to the regulation of rooming h within Whitehorse. ouses Identify suitable Council owned sites (including existing social housing sites and airspace) and consider partnerships between the 3 • Council will regulate rooming houses; Council will form, facilitate and support partne housing. • | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Whitehorse | Metropolitan |
| Affordable Housing Policy and Action Plan 2010-2020 | AFFORDABLE HOUSING POLICY OBJECTIVES 1. Council will advocate for increased government, developer and community support for the provision of affordable housing 2. Council will actively encourage and support the provision of affordable housing in Manningham 3. Council will examine opportunities to use government land for affordable housing 4. Council will ensure new affordable housing developments are appropriately located and designed 5. Council will provide appropriate community support initiatives and referral services to households facing housing stress. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Manningham | Metropolitan |
| Affordable Housing Policy Statement | Purpose and scope of policy statement The purpose of this policy statement is to articulate Council’s commitment to ensuring all households in the municipality are able to live in affordable, secure and appropriate housing that meets their needs, particularly those with low and moderate incomes. To do this, the policy statement focuses on the provision of affordable housing for: low income households who are particularly vulnerable in the housing market key workers households on lower incomes | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Hobsons Bay | Metropolitan |
| Affordable Housing Strategy | The overarching aim of the Strategy is: To maintain and increase the amount of affordable rental stock in North Sydney LGA and ensure the long-term sustainability of Council’s involvement in affordable housing | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | North Sydney | Metropolitan |
| Affordable Interim Housing Policy | PURPOSE This Policy sets out interim measures for affordable housing in Cumberland local government area (LGA) prior to the development of a more comprehensive Cumberland Affordable Housing Policy. The policy seeks to achieve the following objectives: • To ensure that Cumberland LGA includes housing that is affordable, with a priority for hosing for households on low and very low incomes; • To support the provision of housing for key workers in Cumberland LGA; • To support the achievement of affordable housing targets set by the Draft West Central District Plan; • To provide for the dedication of dwellings to Council for the purpose of affordable housing; • To enable Council to collect monetary contributions towards affordable housing. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Cumberland | Metropolitan |
| Affordable Rental Housing Policy 2019 | 3. Purpose 3.1 Policy Objective The objective of this Policy is to reduce the level of rental housing stress experienced by residents across City of Parramatta so that they can thrive socially and economically. This will be achieved by increasing the provision of affordable rental housing. More affordable rental housing will allow more residents to live closer to work, or close to good public transport links that make the journey to work cheaper, faster and easier. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Parramatta | Metropolitan |
| After School Hours Care Policy | Food and drink consistent with the menu will be provided for afternoon tea. Fresh drinking water will be available at all times for the children and educators. Children and parents will be encouraged to share family and cultural traditions, ideas and recipes to contribute to the menu. Education of healthy eating habits will developed through ongoing example, specific activities, notices, posters and information sheets to parents. The denial of food will never be used as a punishment. Children’s cooking activities will be encouraged to develop life skills. Educators are required to stay up to date with professional development on nutrition and food safety practices and document changes to practice as a result. b) Food safety All food will be prepared and stored in a hygienic manner as per the current Australian New Zealand Food Standards. Opened food will be stored in tightly sealed containers, away from chemicals Kitchen equipment will be cleaned and stored appropriately. Surfaces are cleaned and sanitised before and/or after food preparation. All perishable foods will be stored in the refrigerator and the temperature should be monitored to ensure it is less than 5 degrees C. Children will be encouraged not to share their drinking and eating utensils. Tongs and spoons will be used for the serving of food. Where possible, educators will encourage children to self-serve food and drinks encouraging the development of their food handling skills as well as acknowledging their growing sense of independence. All cups, plates and utensils will be washed in hot soapy water. Children should be seated while drinking and eating. Educators are not required when handling food to use gloves if correct hand washing practices have been implemented (See Food Act). If gloves are used, care must be taken to avoid contaminating food by only using them for one continuous task and then discarding them. Gloves must be removed, discarded and replaced with a new pair before handling food and before working with ready to eat food after handling raw food. Gloves must be removed, discarded and replaced after using toilet, smoking, coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief, eating, drinking or touching the hair, scalp or body. They will then be replaced if food preparation continues. All rubbish or left over food is to be disposed of immediately in lidded bins and bins emptied at least daily and the wiped with disinfectant. Containers are to be cleaned and stored appropriately to ensure pests cannot contaminate them. Children will be encouraged to be involved in food preparation to assist them to have opportunities to learn more about hygienic practices when preparing food. This participation Version Date: 28 August 2018 Page 44 of 112 should always be supervised and explanation provided to children on the reasons why hygienic conditions are maintained. The service will provide food handling and hygiene information to parents. The service will regularly review and evaluate food handling and practices in line with current best practice guidelines from recognised authorities. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Cabonne | Regional |
| After School Hours Care Policy | Food and Nutrition – procedures for provision of a menu detailing food and drink provided at the service including any individual’s special needs. Guidelines for education and modelling of healthy eating habits. Encouragement of contributions to menu and cooking from families. Requirements for storage and hygiene in regards to food handling | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Cabonne | Regional |
| After School Hours Care Policy | Food and Nutrition Policy Statement Our service believes that good nutrition is essential for a child’s healthy growth and development. For this reason the service will provide nutritious, good quality food consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Young People in Australia. We will aim to provide a relaxed and enjoyable environment for children to eat their meals and snacks (“My Time, Our Place” 1.1). All food served at the service will be consistent with the child’s own dietary requirements and take into consideration the children’s likes and dislikes as well as meet any cultural requirements of families (“My Time, Our Place” 3.2) High standards of hygiene will be maintained throughout food preparation. We will encourage the development of the children’s good eating habits through modelling and reinforcing of healthy eating and nutrition practices by educators. Parents will be encouraged to share family recipes and traditions to enrich the variety and enjoyment of food by the children and support the children’s development of respect for and understanding of diversity (“My Time, Our Place” 1.3). Where possible we will seek out opportunities to learn about growing our own food and collaborate with children to produce our own opportunities to use food we have grown ourselves in our menu planning (“My Time, Our Place” 3.4). Considerations National Regulation 77, 78 ; Food and Beverages National Regulation 79; Service providing Food and Beverage National Regulation 80; Weekly Menu National Quality Standard 2.2 Element 2.2.1 “Healthy eating is promoted and food and drinks provided by the service are nutritious and appropriate for each child”. Parent Information Handbook Staff Handbook Dealing with Infectious Disease Policy Australian Dietary Guidelines for children and adolescents National Food Standards Code (FSANZ) Food Act 2003 (NSW) Food Regulation 2010 (NSW) NRG@OOSH (Network of Community Activities) Service Hygiene Policy Procedure a) Nutrition A menu developed using the principles set out in the Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents, will be on display for families and children. The menu will be an accurate representation of food and drink that is being served. All children’s individual needs such as allergens, cultural requirements and health needs etc. will be addressed in the menus and parents advised if they will be required to supply specific foods for their child. | Health and Wellbeing | Healthy/sustainable LG food procurement policies | NSW | Cabonne | Regional |
| After School Hours Care Policy | Children will be encouraged to be involved in food preparation to assist them to have opportunities to learn more about hygienic practices when preparing food. This participation Version Date: 28 August 2018 Page 44 of 112 should always be supervised and explanation provided to children on the reasons why hygienic conditions are maintained. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Cabonne | Regional |
| After School Hours Care Policy | Children’s cooking activities will be encouraged to develop life skills. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Cabonne | Regional |
| After School Hours Care Policy | Develop educational programs around seeds growing to plants. Include plants you can eat and include harvesting and cooking | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Cabonne | Regional |
| After School Hours Care Policy | Education of healthy eating habits will developed through ongoing example, specific activities, notices, posters and information sheets to parents. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Cabonne | Regional |