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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Address transport and freight issues impacting on the Agricultural sector | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Ensure that the NSW Livestock Loading Scheme Maps for Gunnedah Shire are consistent with the RMS Travel Restrictions Vehicle Route Maps for Gunnedah Shire | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | In conjunction with local agricultural producers evaluate the effectiveness and impacts of the Grain Harvest Management Scheme and if successful, seek to have cotton, other grain crops and oilseeds included in the list of produce that can be transported through the Shire under the regulations | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Initiative Key Actions 8.5.4 8.5.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 8.10 8.11 Capitalise on the trend towards containerisation of freight. Address rail access issues to the Namoi Flour Mill. Address competition between coal and agricultural produce for rail access. Explore opportunities to capitalise on the proposed Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail Line. Seal strategically important roads. Plan for the changes in traffic movements that will occur as a result of the New Street bridge over the railway line. 8.6.1 8.7.1 8.8.1 8.9.1 8.10.1 8.10.2 8.11.1 8.11.2 8.11.3 8.12 Capitalise on opportunities provided by the availability of Gunnedah airport and the proximity to Tamworth Regional Airport. Improve telecommunication services 8.13 Improve mobile telephone coverage and access to high speed broadband in Gunnedah Shire. 8.12.1 8.12.2 8.13.1 8.13.2 Up‐date information on the Gunnedah Council website regarding vehicle loads and provide information on the Grain Harvest and Livestock Transport schemes. Advocate to have Bloomfield Street in Gunnedah re‐classified as a Regional Road and upgraded if necessary to take HML vehicles. With the growing trend to containerisation, re‐assess the feasibility of establishing container facilities in Gunnedah. Work with ARTC and the Manildra Group to resolve rail access issues at the Mill. Advocate for the State Government to undertake a detailed regional freight study that looks at both rail and road capacity for the transport of coal, agricultural products and other freight. Assess the implications of the Melbourne‐Brisbane route for Gunnedah Shire and, if needed, put in place infrastructure to take advantage of opportunities. Seek funding to seal Grain Valley Road and Clifton Road to improve access to the Boggabri and Carroll Cotton Gins and facilitate the movement of cotton and other agricultural products. Seek funding to seal and maintain local roads that will facilitate access to existing and proposed coal mines. Assess the optimal location for the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre. Ensure that the signage, landscaping etc on the new route, encourages visitor traffic into Conadilly Street rather than by‐passing the town centre. With the opening up of the Oxley Highway to higher mass vehicles and the growth in traffic on both the Oxley and Kamilaroi Highways, assess whether there is a need for a 24 hour truck stop in Gunnedah, and if so plan accordingly. Support initiatives to expand air services and increase air freight capacity through Tamworth Airport. Position Gunnedah Airport as an alternative base for lower yielding activities that may come under pressure as activity at Tamworth Airport increases | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Grow the processing and value‐adding sectors | Sustainability and Environment | Local, sustainable food processing | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Working with producers, explore options to value‐add to local products and/or provide services current not available in the Shire (eg seed cleaning plant, grain drying plant, bar code printing, slaughterhouse). | Sustainability and Environment | Local, sustainable food processing | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Advocate strongly for the establishment of the proposed Trade Training Centre in Gunnedah. If established, explore options for growing the program to provide skills that are transferable across a number of sectors – mining, agriculture, manufacturing and construction | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Assist farmers to address labour and skills shortages | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Ensure that the Industry Development and Job Plans being developed for the Northern Inland Region recognise the labour and skills issues in the agricultural sector in Gunnedah Shire | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Should the Trades Training Centre be developed in Gunnedah, endeavour to have the course content include skills needed by a range of sectors, including agriculture | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Work with the Department of Education Apprentice and Traineeship Coordinators and the AgCap program coordinators to grow participation, by both farmers and school students, in agricultural apprenticeships, traineeships and skills development | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Work with the farming community to explore opportunities for utilising temporary and skilled overseas workers – possibly working collaboratively to ‘share’ labour and reduce costs of bringing in overseas workers. 11.4 11.5 | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Encourage local specialty grain and food producers to list in the RDA Northern Inland Regional Food and Wine Guide and producer data‚Äêbase. Consider showcasing specialty food products produced locally in the Visitor Information Centre, Plains of Plenty Gallery and through local cafes and restaurants. Explore the opportunity to display and sell local products at consumer shows attended by the Gunnedah Shire Tourism Unit | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Endeavour to improve and expand the Gunnedah content in regional promotional material – eg Food and Wine Directory | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Raise the profile of local specialty food producers (organic grains, olives, fruit and vegetables | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Liaise with the Agricultural sector regarding opportunities for value‚Äêadding activities | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Economic Development Strategy | Strategy 11: Work with industry sectors and businesses to address issues and capitalise on opportunities. The Economic Profile identifies the opportunities and strategic considerations for the main industry sectors within Gunnedah Shire. Specific actions that will assist in strengthening, consolidating and/or growing these sectors are included below. These actions need to be read in conjunction with the Strategic Considerations identified in Volume 1. Initiative Protect agricultural land and water resources within the Shire and surrounding Gunnedah Basin. Key Actions Agriculture – support primary production and build on competitive advantages 11.1 11.1.2 11.2 11.3 Explore opportunities for product and market diversification. Assist farmers to address labour and skills shortages. 11.1.1 Through local, regional and State planning controls, continue to protect agricultural lands, agricultural activities and water resources within the Shire and surrounding areas from encroachment by residential/rural residential, industrial and extractive activities. Ensure that planning controls for rural land have the flexibility to accommodate new activities and innovative business models that may include horizontal or vertical integration. 11.2.1 Work with Trade and Investment NSW and relevant Federal Government Agencies and Industry Associations to identify market opportunities including export market opportunities. 11.3.1 11.3.2 Ensure that the Industry Development and Job Plans being developed for the Northern Inland Region recognise the labour and skills issues in the agricultural sector in Gunnedah Shire. Should the Trades Training Centre be developed in Gunnedah, endeavour to have the course content include skills needed by a range of sectors, including agriculture. 11.3.3 Work with the farming community to explore opportunities for utilising temporary and skilled overseas workers – possibly working collaboratively to ‘share’ labour and reduce costs of bringing in overseas workers. 11.4 11.5 Address transport and freight issues impacting on the Agricultural sector. Access to research and development, innovation and best practice. 11.6 Grow the processing and value‐adding sectors. 11.7 Raise the profile of local specialty food producers (organic grains, olives, fruit and vegetables. 11.3.4 Work with the Department of Education Apprentice and Traineeship Coordinators and the AgCap program coordinators to grow participation, by both farmers and school students, in agricultural apprenticeships, traineeships and skills development. See Actions 8.5 to 8.11. 11.5.1 Working with the farming community, identify R&D, training and information needs and explore options for providing training, access to information etc. 11.6.1 Working with producers, explore options to value‐add to local products and/or provide services current not available in the Shire (eg seed cleaning plant, grain drying plant, bar code printing, slaughterhouse). 11.7.1 11.7.2 11.7.3 Encourage local specialty grain and food producers to list in the RDA Northern Inland Regional Food and Wine Guide and producer data‐base. Consider showcasing specialty food products produced locally in the Visitor Information Centre, Plains of Plenty Gallery and through local cafes and restaurants. Explore the opportunity to display and sell local products at consumer shows attended by the Gunnedah Shire Tourism Unit. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan 2015 ACTION PLAN | 6.7.1 Explore opportunities for agricultural and mining activities in Gunnedah to be included in specialist industrial and agricultural tours – for both the domestic and international markets. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan 2015 ACTION PLAN | Build the Day Tour Coach Market – explore opportunities to include Gunnedah product (including access to agricultural enterprises) in itineraries of coach companies that regularly bring tours into the North West Region. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan 2015 ACTION PLAN | Develop and promote new products and experiences 3.12 Industry Tours 3.12.1 Explore options for industry and/or coach tours, and/or a Gunnedah on Display, Open Day, providing access to businesses and industries that are not accessible to the public:  Namoi Brickworks  Grain Mills РNamoi Flour Mills and the Whole Grain Milling Company  Feed Mills – Paradise Farms and Prydes Easifeed  Gunnedah Leather Processors  Namoi Gold – olive grove, press and bottling plant  Carroll Cotton Gin  Coal Mine and Coal Washery  Agricultural properties – broadacre farms, irrigated farms, orchard etc 3.12.2 3.13 Gunnedah Food & Produce 3.13.1 3.13.2 3.13.3 3.13.4 3.13.5 3.13.6 3.13.7 3.14 Scenic Drives 3.14.1 Promote the Gunnedah Sale Yard sales to visitors – many travellers will never have experienced a sale. Provide information on the food production in the Gunnedah Basin – short video on display in the VIC as well information on the crops of the Liverpool Plains – in print and App format. Promote Gunnedah produce and local – Plains of Plenty, Namoi Meats (sausages) and Doyle Meats (Gunnedah Pork), farm gate outlets at Carroll (seasonal) and other businesses that sell / feature local produce. Explore opportunities to gain exposure in the regional press for the cafes and other eateries in Gunnedah. Encourage any local hotels that offer quality / innovative dining to enter the ‘Good Food Pub guide – Schooner Awards’. Include pub dining / beer gardens as part of Gunnedah’s country lifestyle. Encourage Gunnedah producers to participate in food and wine development activities and marketing and promotion at the regional and State level. Continue to grow Porchetta and position and promote as a signature food event for the NENW Region. Explore options for providing a ‘food’ experience in October (or potentially move the date of Porchetta) to feature in the SMH Good Food Month – Regional events | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan 2015 ACTION PLAN | Encourage and promote farm gate stalls | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan 2015 ACTION PLAN | Promote the Namoi – Darling River as a core theme of the drive experience with the ‘river trail’ having a number of ‘strands’ – camping sites, fishing sites, bush walking, mountain bike and 4WD trails, bird watching trails and ‘spots’ as well as locations for canoeing (canoe trails) and using small powered boats. There are a multitude of stories that can be 18 Coordinator Tourism Unit Partners Kamilaroi Highway Marketing Group Actions Key Tasks told along the River – Aboriginal, exploration and early pastoral history, droughts, floods, harnessing the water for agriculture, restoration of riverine habitat etc. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan 2015 ACTION PLAN | Specialist agricultural and technical tours | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan 2015 ACTION PLAN | Work with the Dorothea Mackellar theme in the broadest context – to link landscapes, arts, history, events and food / local produce – and build a strong and diverse arts and cultural ‘layer’ that adds to the vibrancy of Gunnedah and the Shire | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan 2015 ACTION PLAN | Working with the Dorothea Mackellar theme in the broadest context – to link landscapes, arts, history, events and food / local produce – and build a strong and diverse arts and cultural ‘layer’ that adds to the vibrancy of Gunnedah and the Shire. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Destination Management Plan 2015 ACTION PLAN |  Crops of Gunnedah Shire / Liverpool Plains  Cyling and Mountain-biking  Fishing  Things to do with Children  Travelling with Pets  Picnic areas and playgrounds  Produce and providores. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Rural Strategy | 8.5.2. Land Use Planning Objective: Develop a land use framework that will give a level of certainty to the people who live in the Gunnedah Shire Implementation Strategy 1. Develop a new suite of land use designations. Policy Action 1.1. Adopt the following land use designations as outlined on map 7.3: Primary Production | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Rural Strategy | Encourage a wide range of agricultural and other complimentary rural uses such as tourism having regard to environmental impact; | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Rural Strategy | Encourage a wide range of agricultural and other complimentary rural uses such as tourism having regard to environmental impact. Encourage and promote a diverse range of agricultural and other rural uses | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |
| Gunnedah Shire Rural Strategy | Promote and support the rural culture of the Shire | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Gunnedah | Regional |