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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Residential infill, offering a variety of dwelling types, styles and affordability. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Investigate the viability of new or revamped festivals and cultural events that involve themes such as performing and visual arts, literature, technology, sustainability, music, multiculturalism, food and wine, ‘open buildings’ heritage days, local produce, innovation and eco-business. Use venues in the Lydiard, Armstrong and Camp Streets entertainment precinct (e.g. Mining Exchange, Town Hall). | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Actively encourage all of Ballarat’s cultural groups to participate in events and markets (e.g. food stalls, art, handicrafts). | Health and Wellbeing | Traditional food cultures | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Seek to encourage new migrants to Australia in Ballarat to add to the diversity of dining options through the establishment of ethnic food based restaurants. | Health and Wellbeing | Traditional food cultures | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Provide drinking fountains, seating and shade at popular bicycle parking locations (e.g. Central Square, University buildings, coffee shops in Sturt Street). | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Provide shade trees, additional greenery, seating and drinking fountains throughout the CBD | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Introduce sustainability initiatives in the redevelopment options such as ESD in the design of all buildings and spaces, opportunities for energy production infrastructure and local food production. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Community spaces such as meeting places, community centres or community gardens. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Introduce sustainability initiatives in the redevelopment options such as ESD in the design of all buildings and spaces, opportunities for energy production infrastructure and local food production. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | A16 Establish community food programs (e.g. Stephanie Alexander style kitchen gardens at primary schools, communal gardens at universities and church sites). | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | A16 Establish community food programs (e.g. Stephanie Alexander style kitchen gardens at primary schools, communal gardens at universities and church sites). • Identify potential sites. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Community spaces such as meeting places, community centres or community gardens. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | 8.7 Consider options for a range of new uses on surplus VicTrack land and buildings. Bluestone sheds: markets, performance spaces, gallery, art workshops such as Melbourne’s Meat Market, micro-brewery. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Consider options for a range of new uses on surplus VicTrack land and buildings. Bluestone sheds: markets, performance spaces, gallery, art workshops such as Melbourne’s Meat Market, microbrewery. | Sustainability and Environment | Animal husbandry | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Encourage local food sourcing. • Establish a food co-op using locally sourced goods in conjunction with the farmers market | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| Making Ballarat Central The CBD Strategy 2017 – 2021 Action Plan | Investigate the viability of new or revamped festivals and cultural events that involve themes such as performing and visual arts, literature, technology, sustainability, music, multiculturalism, food and wine, ‘open buildings’ heritage days, local produce, innovation and eco-business. Use venues in the Lydiard, Armstrong and Camp Streets entertainment precinct (e.g. Mining Exchange, Town Hall). | Sustainability and Environment | Strengthen food chain connections/distribution | Victoria | Ballarat | Regional |
| MALL VIBRANCY PLAN | 1.2.6 [INTERNATIONAL] NIGHT FOOD MARKET Investigate the opportunity to develop a night food market featuring international foods on a semi-regular basis during warmer months | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Armidale | Regional |
| MALL VIBRANCY PLAN | 4.1 BUSINESS ATTRACTION PRINCIPLES OF OUR APPROACH  To influence future development of the Mall to provide niche retail outlets and a comprehensive food destination | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Armidale | Regional |
| MALL VIBRANCY PLAN | 4.1.3 SPECIFIC BUSINESS ATTRACTION Seek to influence development of the Mall as a niche retail and speciality food market (including heritage hotels). Identify and engage with businesses and actively encourage their relocation to the Mall. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Armidale | Regional |
| MALL VIBRANCY PLAN | 1.2.6 [INTERNATIONAL] NIGHT FOOD MARKET Investigate the opportunity to develop a night food market featuring international foods on a semi-regular basis during warmer months | Health and Wellbeing | Traditional food cultures | NSW | Armidale | Regional |
| MANAGEMENT OF MOBILE AND TEMPORARY FOOD PREMISES (MTFP) POLICY | Moreland City Council is committed to supporting and enhancing the local business, active street life and unique experiences available in our numerous evening entertainment precincts. Council recognises that Mobile and Temporary Food Premises (MTFPs) can add to the vitality of the municipality and fulfil a need in that they provide an efficient and accessible food service for people at times when permanent food outlets are either not operating or no food outlets are in the immediate area. This policy have been developed to support the existing and future operations of MTFPs within the community and to provide a framework for their management. This policy applies to public places, in particular public places that form part of malls and roads. (See definition of public place under Part 1 section 8 “definitions” of Moreland City Council General Local Law 2007.) | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | Victoria | Moreland | Metropolitan |
| Management of Mobile Food Vending Vehicles on Council Owned or Managed Land | 1. 1.1 1.2 Purpose The purpose of this Policy is to provide clear guiding principles for the ongoing professional management of Mobile Food Vending Vehicles on Council Owned or Managed Land (including roads). The Policy supplements the provisions of the: 1.2.1 Local Government Act 1993 (NSW); 1.2.2 Local Government (General) Regulations 2005 (NSW); 1.2.3 Food Act 2003 (NSW); 1.2.4 Road Rules 2014 (NSW); and 1.2.5 Council’s existing Policy for Mobile Food Stall/Vehicles and Temporary Food Premises (POL16/240). 1.3 In accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act this Policy is divided into three (3) parts as follows: 1.3.1 Part 1 of this Policy specifies any exemptions from this Policy; 1.3.2 Part 2 of this Policy specifies the criteria which Council must consider when determining whether or not to grant approval for a particular activity; and 1.3.3 Part 3 of this Policy specifies other matters relating to approvals not dealt with by the Local Government Act 1993, the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, the Food Act 2003 or the Food Regulation 2010. 2. 2.1 Objectives This Policy aims to: 2.1.1 Ensure the Mobile Food Vending Vehicles operate in accordance with the rules and restrictions within Lawful Car Parking Spaces on Council‐owned roads. 2.1.2 Ensure Mobile Food Vending Vehicles operate in accordance with the Operational Plans of Management supplied by operators under “Supporting Documentation” in the Mobile Food Vending Vehicle Guidelines. 2.1.3 Ensure that food and beverages sold through Mobile Food Vending Vehicles is safe and fit for human consumption. 2.1.4 Provide guidance and assistance for people wanting to operate Mobile Food Vending Vehicles within the Shoalhaven City Council Local Government Area. 2.1.5 Minimise any potential adverse environmental, business and/or other impacts of Mobile Food Vending Vehicles; 2.1.6 Ensure that trading has regard to Existing Takeaway Food and Drink Premises. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Shoalhaven | Regional |
| Management of the Management of the Murray Darling Basin – position paper Murray Darling Basin Position paper – October | 1. Swan Hill Rural City Council wants the basin managed in a way that: Provides water for agricultural production | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Swan Hill | Regional |
| Management of the Management of the Murray Darling Basin – position paper Murray Darling Basin Position paper – October | 3. Swan Hill Rural City Council wants equity for all basin communities. We want: Greater transparency in the water market. COAG to ensure that all states and their agencies do their fair share of reform and that this reform is done in a timely fashion. Our community to be informed on the use of environmental water and the effectiveness of environmental watering programs. Regulation to guard investment in high value horticulture against the indiscriminant issuing of licenses within an already strained system. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Swan Hill | Regional |
| Management of the Management of the Murray Darling Basin – position paper Murray Darling Basin Position paper – October | Conclusions Council calls for: Regulation of the Murray delivery system to guard against the indiscriminate issuing of licenses that could damage existing horticultural developments (until delivery constraints are dealt with). Compliance, metering and regulation to be uniformly implemented throughout the Murray Darling Basin | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Swan Hill | Regional |
| Management of the Management of the Murray Darling Basin – position paper Murray Darling Basin Position paper – October | Council calls for: All State and Federal politicians to publicly declare their water holdings. A published list of the top 20 water holders in each irrigation system. An inquiry into transparency in the water market. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Swan Hill | Regional |
| Management of the Management of the Murray Darling Basin – position paper Murray Darling Basin Position paper – October | Council calls for: Constraints management to be implemented as a matter of urgency. Water held for environmental purposes that cannot be delivered due to system constraints to be put on the market for irrigation. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Swan Hill | Regional |
| Management of the Management of the Murray Darling Basin – position paper Murray Darling Basin Position paper – October | Council calls for: Water buyback from the consumptive pool should not be resumed. An inquiry into the contribution made to environmental flows from water buybacks on a valley-by-valley basis, with the aim of equalising the amount taken from each catchment. A statewide approach to addressing the issues caused by dewatered land (regardless of the cause of the dewatering). | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Swan Hill | Regional |
| Management of the Management of the Murray Darling Basin – position paper Murray Darling Basin Position paper – October | Swan Hill Rural City Council calls for: Water buyback from the consumptive pool should not be resumed. An inquiry into the contribution made to environmental flows from water buybacks on a valley-by-valley basis, with the aim of equalising the amount taken from each catchment. A state-wide approach to addressing the issues caused by dewatered land (regardless of the cause of the dewatering). A public information campaign to educate the basin community on all aspects of Environmental Watering Plans. An inquiry into the effect of the delivery of environmental water on other entitlement holders. A mechanism to allow the needs of tourism operators to be heard and considered by water system managers and regulators. The implementation of environmental watering plans that also ensure that water quality is protected for urban communities. The Commonwealth Government to research and report on the socio-economic impacts of the Basin Plan’s implementation on basin communities. Policy to be developed and implemented to assist communities that are negatively impacted by the Basin Plan’s implementation and the unbundling of water. Financial support for communities negatively impacted by the implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan. Constraints management to be implemented as a matter of urgency. Water held for environmental purposes that cannot be delivered due to system constraints to be put on the market for irrigation. Revenues from the sale of environmental water to be used for implementing constraints solutions and improving river health. The mandating of environmental flows in the Murrumbidgee, Darling, Wakool and other tributaries to deliver environmental benefits where constraints on the Murray cannot be effectively dealt with. All State and Federal politicians to publicly declare their water holdings. A published list of the top 20 water holders in each irrigation system. An inquiry into transparency in the water market. A basin-wide audit of each state’s compliance with its obligations under the Murray Darling Basin Plan, and this would be publicly reported. Its findings should be implemented by COAG. Regulation of the Murray delivery system to guard against the indiscriminate issuing of licenses that could damage existing horticultural developments (until delivery constraints are dealt with). Compliance, metering and regulation to be uniformly implemented throughout the Murray Darling Basin. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Swan Hill | Regional |
| Management of the Management of the Murray Darling Basin – position paper Murray Darling Basin Position paper – October | This position paper has been developed to help us advocate on behalf of our community for improved Murray Darling Basin management. This paper explains Council’s position, based on three key areas. 1. Swan Hill Rural City Council wants the Murray Darling Basin managed in a way that: Provides water for agricultural production | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Swan Hill | Regional |