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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agribusiness Masterplan 2019 – 2024 | Platform 6 Rationale: Support business transition Agribusinesses will need to transition into new ownership models, new business models or new management Programs 6.1 Support business transition by raising awareness of the transition pathway options and building connections 6.2 Support advisors to local agribusinesses to refresh their skills and knowledge of new era business transition models through networking and on-going professional development 6.3 Promote the pathways for younger farmers into farm ownership (e.g. share farming, management buy-out) 6.4 Build awareness of alternative farm ownership structures and new farming models 6.5 Support exiting or retiring business owners and service providers to find investors that will retain their operation or service in the region 6.6 Encourage some of the wealth held within the community to be invested in good agribusiness operators locally Desired outcome: A sustainable agribusiness economy | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Edward River | Regional |
| Agribusiness Masterplan 2019 – 2024 | Platform 7 Rationale: Inspire confidence in our future Inspire the entire community by highlighting the many opportunities there are to prosper in the new normal Programs 7.1 Develop a voice for ‘all of agriculture’ in the region through instigating a body that oversees the delivery of this agribusiness masterplan 7.2 7.3 7.4 Celebrate and showcase the region’s agribusiness success and drive inspiration through supporting positive activities and messaging Implement a branding strategy as a platform to promote the regional agribusiness success story (potentially leveraging the Southern Riverina regional brand) Introduce an annual program of agribusiness achievement awards in whole-of-agriculture areas such as innovation or exceptional achievement 7.5 Proactively work with the local media to promote positive stories 7.6 Showcase the excellence of our production by proudly championing our hero products Desired outcome: A community that is proud of its agribusiness sector and confident in the future | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Edward River | Regional |
| Agribusiness Masterplan 2019 – 2024 | Rationale: Extract more value from our outputs Increasing value in our current businesses and protecting agricultural resources will boost economic resilience Programs 2.1 Connect agribusinesses with resources to explore alternative enterprise opportunities (See platform 1) 2.2 Promote the opportunities to build value through premiumisation or closed-loop marketing 2.3 Engage with SunRice to find value in unutilised excess capacity 2.4 Highlight opportunities for on-farm value-adding 2.5 2.6 Promote unfulfilled business opportunities in the allied industries that provide critical services 2.7 Enhance & support our agritourism capability 2.8 Explore opportunities to extract revenues from environmental remediation initiatives 2.9 Champion environmental initiatives that increase sustainability and enhance performance Desired outcome: A diverse and sustainable agribusiness economy Promote the benefits of local trade, shopping locally and forming strategic alliances with other businesses in the region through networking and introductions | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Edward River | Regional |
| Agribusiness Masterplan 2019 – 2024 | Rationale: Foster a culture that embraces new ideas Opening minds to new opportunities will require challenging the way we have always done things Programs 1.1 1.2 Establish a regional communication platform that connects agribusinesses and keeps them informed and inspired (updates on local events, opportunities and information relevant to key commodities) Host local events that expose agribusiness operators to new thinking (emerging technologies, new farming models, success stories from other places, inspirational guest speakers, farm tours, field trials) 1.3 Develop and drive a plan for priority funding in internet and phone infrastructure to improve connectivity 1.4 Encourage participation in benchmarking, mentoring, networking, shed meetings and idea sharing activities 1.5 Encourage more ‘whole of farm’ and cross-enterprise RD&E activity specific to conditions in the region 1.6 Encourage the next generation to apply for available overseas study tours and work experiences Desired outcome : An innovative and well-connected agribusiness sector | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Edward River | Regional |
| Agribusiness Masterplan 2019 – 2024 | To grow our agribusiness economy by collaborating to drive the changes required to prosper in the new normal and beyond. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Edward River | Regional |
| Agribusiness Masterplan 2019 – 2024 | VISION: Our community spirit and wellbeing is thriving because we are sustained by a prosperous agribusiness sector that we are proud to be part of. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Edward River | Regional |
| AGRICULTURAL LAND USE REBATE POLICY | AMBER Partly Eligible Audit partly successful and property meets part of the criteria. Property part- eligible and retains rebate subject to conditions and a follow-up visit. RED Ineligible Audit unsuccessful and property did not meet the criteria. Property no longer eligible and may apply for alternate available programs. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Hume | Metropolitan |
| AGRICULTURAL LAND USE REBATE POLICY | 5.3.3 Soil Erosion Management (i) Preventing the occurrence of soil erosion. (ii) Rehabilitating existing soil erosion areas. 5.3.4 Native Vegetation Protection and Enhancement (i) Protecting existing native vegetation. (ii) Enhancing existing native vegetation. (iii) Not adversely affecting native vegetation or waterways. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Hume | Metropolitan |
| AGRICULTURAL LAND USE REBATE POLICY | 5.4 Property visit and assessment To be eligible for the rebate a property visit and assessment must be conducted by a Council officer at a minimum of every two years (for existing rebate recipients) or as part of the assessment / review or application process (for all new, partly eligible or ineligible properties). | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Hume | Metropolitan |
| AGRICULTURAL LAND USE REBATE POLICY | 6.3 Review and Audit Process 6.3.1 Each property for which a rebate is received will be reviewed and audited against the eligibility criteria at a minimum of every two years using the Rebate Property Audit Proforma (Appendix 1). 6.3.2 The property will retain the rebate if Council is satisfied that it continues to meet the eligibility criteria. 6.3.3 An evaluation rating using the traffic light approach will be used to audit against the eligibility criteria (Table 2). Table 2. Traffic light approach used to conduct an audit of eligibility. Category GREEN Eligible Audit successful Outcome and property meets the criteria. Definition Property eligible and retains rebate until the next audit and review conducted. 6.4 Review and Audit Outcomes 6.4.1 Green – Eligible (i) The property was successful in meeting the eligibility criteria (section 5). (ii) The property retains eligibility until the next application process. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Hume | Metropolitan |
| AGRICULTURAL LAND USE REBATE POLICY | OBJECTIVE The objectives of this policy are: 4.1 To encourage and support agricultural land use activities. 4.2 To improve sustainable land management practices on rural property. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Hume | Metropolitan |
| AGRICULTURAL LAND USE REBATE POLICY | POLICY STATEMENT Council is committed to ensuring that the City’s natural heritage, environment and rural spaces are protected, enhanced, maintained and valued by: 1.1 Supporting owners who use their property primarily for agricultural land use activities and implement sustainable land management works. 1.2 Providing an annual 23% discount on the general rate, calculated against the Capital Improved Value of eligible properties. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Hume | Metropolitan |
| AGRICULTURAL LAND USE REBATE POLICY | Term Definition Crop Raising Propagate, cultivate or harvest plants, including cereals, flowers, fruit, seeds, trees, turf, and vegetables. Includes Extensive cropping Horticulture Vineyard Wholesale nursery Rice growing Timber production Animal Husbandry Keep, breed, board, or train animals, including livestock, and birds. Animal keeping Animal training Apiculture Extensive animal husbandry Horse stables Intensive animal husbandry Aquaculture Propagate, cultivate, rear, or harvest living resources of the sea or inland waters. 5.3 Sustainable Land Management Works Owners must be implementing satisfactory works to address land management issues and threats on their property. Works must not adversely affect the natural environment and native vegetation. These requirements include: 5.3.1 Weed Management (i) Containing the spread of priority weeds (ii) Reducing the level of infestation of priority weeds. (iii) Preventing reinfestation of priority weeds. 5.3.2 Pest Animal Management (i) Removing existing harbour for pest animals. (ii) Reducing the population of pest animals. (iii) Preventing reinfestation of pest animals. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Hume | Metropolitan |
| AGRICULTURAL LAND USE REBATE POLICY | The purpose of this policy is to: 2.1 Outline the conditions under which properties are eligible to receive the Agricultural Land Use Rebate and the process under which properties are assessed. 2.2 Ensure the Agricultural Land Use Rebate is delivered and applied in an equitable manner. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Hume | Metropolitan |
| AGRICULTURAL LAND USE REBATE POLICY | Term Definition Crop Raising Propagate, cultivate or harvest plants, including cereals, flowers, fruit, seeds, trees, turf, and vegetables. Includes Extensive cropping Horticulture Vineyard Wholesale nursery Rice growing Timber production Animal Husbandry Keep, breed, board, or train animals, including livestock, and birds. Animal keeping Animal training Apiculture Extensive animal husbandry Horse stables Intensive animal husbandry Aquaculture Propagate, cultivate, rear, or harvest living resources of the sea or inland waters. 5.3 Sustainable Land Management Works Owners must be implementing satisfactory works to address land management issues and threats on their property. Works must not adversely affect the natural environment and native vegetation. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Hume | Metropolitan |
| Agricultural Land Use Strategy Intensive Plant Agriculture | – Energy sustainability issues – A designated building envelope (consider access, flood, fire, sewage) is identified that does not negatively impact on the viability of the intensive plant enterprise or neighbouring enterprises. The above will limit subdivision to those who are genuine about intensive plant agriculture and largely remove the risk of land being subdivided principally for residential purposes. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Narromine | Regional |
| Agricultural Land Use Strategy Intensive Plant Agriculture | Environmentally sensitive areas In general, intensive plant agricultural production is based on highly productive (ie high yielding) enterprises to justify the high infrastructure and operating expenses required for establishment. It is therefore important to avoid environmentally sensitive areas, including those areas with steep slopes, shallow soils, salinity, temporary or permanent inundation, high proportion of rock outcrop, high soil dispersibility and erosion potential or the presence of karst systems. The location of environmentally sensitive land in NSC has been mapped by NSW DPI (see Figure 6). To ensure optimum conditions for intensive plant agriculture production, the following is recommended: Avoidance of environmentally sensitive areas | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Narromine | Regional |
| Agricultural Land Use Strategy Intensive Plant Agriculture | e) The land is subject or will be subject to irrigation requiring a licence under the Water Act 1912 or Water Management Act 2000 and the volume and entitlement of water available under this licence is adequate of the proposed use. The licence should be either a High Security surface water licence or a Groundwater licence. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | NSW | Narromine | Regional |
| Agricultural Strategy for Gloucester Shire | Educate the public about healthy food and its production. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Mid-Coast | Regional |
| Agricultural Strategy for Gloucester Shire | Educate the public about healthy food products. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Mid-Coast | Regional |
| Agricultural Strategy for Gloucester Shire | 14. Gloucester Shire Council Actions The following is a list of actions for which the Strategy requests direct Shire Council action. Finalise Landuse Study. Develop an LEP that supports agricultural subdivision on the basis of appropriate landuse and prevents urban development on productive rural land. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Mid-Coast | Regional |
| Agricultural Strategy for Gloucester Shire | 5. Horticulture Climate, soil and water in the area provide the potential for a range of horticultural crops (as demonstrated by wineries, garlic growers, The Tucker Patch, and cut flower producers) but topography and land tenure size mean that operations are small scale and this leads to marketing difficulties. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Mid-Coast | Regional |
| Agricultural Strategy for Gloucester Shire | A comprehensive listing of actions is contained in the document and they are designed to deliver an Outcome of: Viable and expanding agricultural industries in the Shire such that they make an increasing contribution to the economy through direct production, value adding and in partnership with other industry sectors for sustainable natural resource use. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Mid-Coast | Regional |
| Agricultural Strategy for Gloucester Shire | Caring for the environment – protect natural assets, promote innovative ag practices, promote partnerships, provide information | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Mid-Coast | Regional |
| Agricultural Strategy for Gloucester Shire | Develop training for farmers in land capability planning, budgeting, and mixed farming models that assist in adjusting to climatic, economic and marketing conditions as well as improving their financial viability. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Mid-Coast | Regional |
| Agricultural Strategy for Gloucester Shire | Facilitate small to commercial scale food production through a range of land ‘ownership’ or ‘lessee’ models | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Mid-Coast | Regional |
| Agricultural Strategy for Gloucester Shire | Facilitates new or expanded agricultural development by lobbying The State Government to: a. Approve a revised LEP regarding rural subdivision; b. Revise appropriate road classification for efficient cattle marketing; c. Prevent activities that reduce market opportunities for environmentally sustainable and non-polluted produce; and d. Provide increased LLS technical support in natural resource management | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Mid-Coast | Regional |
| Agricultural Strategy for Gloucester Shire | Gloucester Council’s role also adds value through: Landuse planning; Property rate formulation and collection; | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Mid-Coast | Regional |
| Agricultural Strategy for Gloucester Shire | Landuse Planning – finalise Landuse Study, develop an LEP that supports agricultural subdivision on the basis of appropriate landuse and prevents urban development on productive rural land | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Mid-Coast | Regional |
| Agricultural Strategy for Gloucester Shire | Managing food and green waste for recycling as soil nutrient inputs | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Mid-Coast | Regional |