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.
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| Document title | Relevant text in the policy | Domain | Topic | State | Local Government name | Council type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KERBSIDE WASTE BIN ENTITLEMENT | 1. Urban residential properties that have been levied an annual Domestic Waste Management charge are entitled to a 3 bin waste service (one mixed waste bin, one recycling bin, and one organics bin) free of charge on the commencement of service at the eligible property. The rural Domestic Waste Management charge entitles eligible properties to a 2 bin waste service (one mixed waste bin and one recycling bin). 2. Residential properties with services paid annually (not levied) for either mixed waste, recycling or organics will be entitled to one free bin per charge on the commencement of service at the tenanted property. 3. Commercial properties that have been levied the annual Non Domestic charge for either mixed waste, recycling and organics will be entitled to one free bin per charge on the commencement of service at the eligible property. 4. Commercial properties with services paid annually (not levied) for either mixed waste, recycling or organics will be entitled to one free bin per charge on the commencement of service at the tenanted property. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| KERBSIDE WASTE BIN ENTITLEMENT | Council has an external contract in place for the weekly kerbside collection of food and garden organic waste for domestic and commercial services. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| KERBSIDE WASTE BIN ENTITLEMENT | Mobile garbage bins (MGBs) – 120 litre (waste & recycling), 140 litre (organics), | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | NSW | Ballina | Regional |
| Key Life Stages Plan | Cooking program trialled and completed. 1-4 Global Age-Friendly Cities Social Participation | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Knox | Metropolitan |
| Key Life Stages Plan | Provide opportunities to improve older people’s health and wellbeing through the trial of initiatives such as ‘Meals for Me: An Introduction to Basic Cooking Skills’. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Knox | Metropolitan |
| Key Life Stages Plan | 41% of babies in Knox were fully breast fed at 6 months in 2014-15, which is up from 37% in 2013-14 and above the metropolitan average of 39%. Summary — Early childhood health and wellbeing is an ongoing strength in Knox and needs to be maintained and further developed. Even though gradual declines in maternal child health, immunisation and breast feeding rates over the past few years have started to rebound, some weaknesses still exist and require attention. | Health and Wellbeing | Breastfeeding | Victoria | Knox | Metropolitan |
| Key Life Stages Plan Action Table | implementing the Knox City Council’s Affordable Housing Action Plan 2015-2020. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Knox | Metropolitan |
| Key Life Stages Plan Action Table | Provide opportunities to improve older people’s health and wellbeing through the trial of initiatives such as ‘Meals for Me: An Introduction to Basic Cooking Skills’. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Knox | Metropolitan |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | PARWAN EMPLOYMENT PRECINCT PROJECT NAME: Parwan Employment Precinct PROJECT COST: Stage One Water Sewer Gas (city gate) Total Stage One $ 5.81 million $ 2.52 million $ 5.50 million $13.83 million PROPOSED FUNDING SOURCES: The project is proposed to be funded by a combination of development contributions and Local, State and Federal governments. OUTCOME SOUGHT: Infrastructure extension and/or upgrades in Parwan that optimise the preconditions for investment and employment, in particular STAGE 1: » Reticulated gas » Mains water and sewerage STAGE 2: » Road upgrades » Three phase power MAJOR PROJECT BENEFITS: » Potential for over 1200 jobs within the proposed precinct » Centralised agricultural supply chain » Impetus for accelerated investment in freight road networks east of Bacchus Marsh connecting Parwan to the Western Freeway TIMING OF PROJECT: 2016/2017 ADVOCACY PARTNERS: Community Regional Development Victoria Current Operators Land Holders » Improved financial outcomes for existing business in Parwan » Logistics efficiency from proximity to Victoria’s primary air, rail and sea ports » Limited impact on any sensitive uses due to extent of available land and generous buffer areas MAJOR PROJECT RISKS IF NOT ACHIEVED: » Increased unemployment » Loss of investment » Loss of export potential | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | The Parwan Employment Precinct Council recently completed an Agribusiness Analysis of the proposed Parwan Employment Precinct of a high potential, flat greenfield site south of Bacchus Marsh. The precinct contains a cluster of existing employers, available agricultural and industrial land, the Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome and the Western Water Waste Water Treatment Plant. The study identified high-value development opportunities for agribusiness such as hydroponic glass house production, red meat processing and poultry breeding/processing as uses under current market conditions with potential for expansion of mushroom production/ processing. There is great potential for vertical integration of existing businesses and for service providers along the value chain to co-locate within the precinct. Council’s shire-wide strategic studies, the Moorabool Shire Economic Development and Industrial Areas Strategies, align with the precinct based Agribusiness Analysis Study in recognising that Parwan will only be a key driver of the region’s economy and sustain employment if significant investments are made in infrastructure improvements to raise the value and marketability of the precinct. A site specific infrastructure plan was also commissioned to provide a high level analysis of the amount, stage and type of infrastructure required and an estimate of their one-off costs. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | PARWAN EMPLOYMENT PRECINCT | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | PROJECT NAME: Extension of Natural Gas Supply PROJECT COST: Bungaree ADVOCACY PARTNERS: Community of Bungaree $4.5 million PROPOSED FUNDING SOURCES: State Government $4.5 million » Potential population growth » Cost effective energy to residents TIMING OF PROJECT: 2015/2016 MAJOR PROJECT RISKS IF NOT ACHIEVED: » Limited growth in urban communities » Loss of employment from existing agriculture business located in Parwan | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | Supporting Agriculture Project Overview Farming in Moorabool generates more than $131 million of output and 609 jobs per annum. It is critical that farming and agriculture are recognised as key economic drivers and a key to maintaining the social fabric and sustainability of our small towns. Local farmers, via Cultivate Рthe Central Highlands region’s peak community organisation supporting local farming and agribusiness, made submissions to the Federal Government’s recent Agricultural Competitiveness Green and white paper. In addition to the high-level recommendations outlined in the white paper, Council has outlined key issues facing the farming sector that can be influenced by local and other levels of government include: » Valuation of Land Act Рcurrent valuation of farms based on land sales does not reflect the economic capacity of the farm. » Local Government Rates Рas a product of land valuation. Need assistance for farmers via grants or rebate scheme. » Speculative land purchases and land banking in peri-urban regions. » Impact of environmental overlays. » Competing on the world stage Рgovernment subsidies and tariffs. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | The Parwan Employment Precinct Council recently completed an Agribusiness Analysis of the proposed Parwan Employment Precinct of a high potential, flat greenfield site south of Bacchus Marsh. The precinct contains a cluster of existing employers, available agricultural and industrial land, the Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome and the Western Water Waste Water Treatment Plant. The study identified high-value development opportunities for agribusiness such as hydroponic glass house production, red meat processing and poultry breeding/processing as uses under current market conditions with potential for expansion of mushroom production/ processing. There is great potential for vertical integration of existing businesses and for service providers along the value chain to co-locate within the precinct. Council’s shire-wide strategic studies, the Moorabool Shire Economic Development and Industrial Areas Strategies, align with the precinct based Agribusiness Analysis Study in recognising that Parwan will only be a key driver of the region’s economy and sustain employment if significant investments are made in infrastructure improvements to raise the value and marketability of the precinct. A site specific infrastructure plan was also commissioned to provide a high level analysis of the amount, stage and type of infrastructure required and an estimate of their one-off costs. | Economic Development | Local food producers | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | It is critical that farming and agriculture are recognised as key economic drivers and a key to maintaining the social fabric and sustainability of our small towns. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | The Parwan Employment Precinct Council recently completed an Agribusiness Analysis of the proposed Parwan Employment Precinct of a high potential, flat greenfield site south of Bacchus Marsh. The precinct contains a cluster of existing employers, available agricultural and industrial land, the Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome and the Western Water Waste Water Treatment Plant. The study identified high-value development opportunities for agribusiness such as hydroponic glass house production, red meat processing and poultry breeding/processing as uses under current market conditions with potential for expansion of mushroom production/ processing. There is great potential for vertical integration of existing businesses and for service providers along the value chain to co-locate within the precinct. Council’s shire-wide strategic studies, the Moorabool Shire Economic Development and Industrial Areas Strategies, align with the precinct based Agribusiness Analysis Study in recognising that Parwan will only be a key driver of the region’s economy and sustain employment if significant investments are made in infrastructure improvements to raise the value and marketability of the precinct. A site specific infrastructure plan was also commissioned to provide a high level analysis of the amount, stage and type of infrastructure required and an estimate of their one-off costs. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | Bacchus Marsh Irrigation District Project Overview Council is advocating on behalf of the $200 million per annum agricultural industry on the river flats of Bacchus Marsh. There are two key issues: 1. To ensure enough water is sourced at a reasonable price to sustain the key economic driver in the area; and 2. To upgrade existing infrastructure to drive efficiencies and balance the demands for residential and agricultural uses of the water | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | The Southern Rural Water paper “Western Irrigation Futures Strategy March 2011” supports the upgrade of irrigation infrastructure to the value of $12.3 million. Recent estimates suggest that this figure is closer to $16 million. Investment in infrastructure required to access recycled water or extend the Melbourne Water grid could cost $51—$73 million as a once off investment and a project life span of 25 years. The net present value of the economic contribution of the industry dwarf the capital and ongoing costs of securing water for the industry. Around 580 people are employed in the Shire’s agriculture sector. The Central Highlands Regional Plan specifically mentions the issues confronting this industry. It is noted that this project is not included in the Southern Rural Water Five Year Water Plan 2013 – 2018. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | » PARWAN EMPLOYMENT PRECINCT PROJECT NAME: Parwan Employment Precinct PROJECT COST: Stage One Water Sewer Gas (city gate) Total Stage One $ 5.81 million $ 2.52 million $ 5.50 million $13.83 million PROPOSED FUNDING SOURCES: The project is proposed to be funded by a combination of development contributions and Local, State and Federal governments. OUTCOME SOUGHT: Infrastructure extension and/or upgrades in Parwan that optimise the preconditions for investment and employment, in particular STAGE 1: » Reticulated gas » Mains water and sewerage STAGE 2: » Road upgrades » Three phase power MAJOR PROJECT BENEFITS: » Potential for over 1200 jobs within the proposed precinct » Centralised agricultural supply chain » Impetus for accelerated investment in freight road networks east of Bacchus Marsh connecting Parwan to the Western Freeway TIMING OF PROJECT: 2016/2017 ADVOCACY PARTNERS: Community Regional Development Victoria Current Operators Land Holders » Improved financial outcomes for existing business in Parwan » Logistics efficiency from proximity to Victoria’s primary air, rail and sea ports » Limited impact on any sensitive uses due to extent of available land and generous buffer areas MAJOR PROJECT RISKS IF NOT ACHIEVED: » Increased unemployment » Loss of investment » Loss of export potential | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | There is great potential for vertical integration of existing businesses and for service providers along the value chain to co-locate within the precinct. | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEY PRIORITY PROJECTS | The Parwan Employment Precinct Council recently completed an Agribusiness Analysis of the proposed Parwan Employment Precinct of a high potential, flat greenfield site south of Bacchus Marsh. The precinct contains a cluster of existing employers, available agricultural and industrial land, the Bacchus Marsh Aerodrome and the Western Water Waste Water Treatment Plant. The study identified high-value development opportunities for agribusiness such as hydroponic glass house production, red meat processing and poultry breeding/processing as uses under current market conditions with potential for expansion of mushroom production/ processing. There is great potential for vertical integration of existing businesses and for service providers along the value chain to co-locate within the precinct. Council’s shire-wide strategic studies, the Moorabool Shire Economic Development and Industrial Areas Strategies, align with the precinct based Agribusiness Analysis Study in recognising that Parwan will only be a key driver of the region’s economy and sustain employment if significant investments are made in infrastructure improvements to raise the value and marketability of the precinct. A site specific infrastructure plan was also commissioned to provide a high level analysis of the amount, stage and type of infrastructure required and an estimate of their one-off costs. | Sustainability and Environment | Local, sustainable food processing | Victoria | Moorabool | Regional |
| KEYCHANGE 2017 – 2027 4 YEAR DELIVERY PROGRAM ANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN 2019/20 | Ensure water supply quality compliance with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Tamworth | Regional |
| KEYCHANGE 2017 – 2027 4 YEAR DELIVERY PROGRAM ANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN 2019/20 | How we will measure Number of KMs roadside sprayed Number of 'area' reserves sprayed Number of Inspections – High Risk Compliance with the Biosecurity Act | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Tamworth | Regional |
| KEYCHANGE 2017 – 2027 4 YEAR DELIVERY PROGRAM ANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN 2019/20 | OBJECTIVE F2 To promote sustainable living to protect and support our environment, heritage and resources STRATEGY F21 Protect our natural environment PARTNERS PROGRAM F2101 Biosecurity OWNER ACTION F2101.01 Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee (NIWAC), Gunnedah, Narrabri and Gwydir Shires, Local Lands Services, Property Owners and Numerous community groups and organisations Brent McAlister / Director Planning and Compliance Our promise To ensure that our planning and operational processes consider the impacts to biosecurity and our natural environment | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Tamworth | Regional |
| KEYCHANGE 2017 – 2027 4 YEAR DELIVERY PROGRAM ANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN 2019/20 | How we will measure QTR 1 QTR 2 All food premises located in the Tamworth Region requiring an inspection will be inspected at least annually | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Tamworth | Regional |
| KEYCHANGE 2017 – 2027 4 YEAR DELIVERY PROGRAM ANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN 2019/20 | To ensure local food premises through inspections are meeting their legal food safety requirements. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Tamworth | Regional |
| KEYCHANGE 2017 – 2027 COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN | Pursue affordable housing opportunities in the region | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Tamworth | Regional |
| KEYCHANGE 2017 – 2027 COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN | Compliance with Australian drinking water guidelines | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Tamworth | Regional |
| Kiama Health Plan 2018-2021 | 3.0 Food secure and food sustainable • Food & nutrition | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Kiama | Regional |
| Kiama Health Plan 2018-2021 | Engage with and educate members of the community on healthy, affordable and sustainable food and gardening practices | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Kiama | Regional |