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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Hunter Land Use Strategy 2017 | To provide a range of affordable housing choices and promote housing market competition | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Land Use Strategy 2017 | To provide a range of affordable housing choices and promote housing market competition. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Land Use Strategy 2017 | 4.1.1 Local framework for assessing impacts to agricultural lands The local framework for assessing impacts of proposed strategic land use changes and development proposals on agricultural and equine industries and enterprises in LGA is outlined below. This aims to guide implementation of the Strategy’s directions, and comprises three steps, illustrated in Figure 11. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Land Use Strategy 2017 | Direction 4.1: Agricultural lands Objectives ▪ To support protection of agricultural land that: ▪ Is sufficient in size and quality to accommodate and maintain a range of commercial agricultural production in accordance with land capability and suitability; and ▪ Maintains a significant share of the local labour force. ▪ To identify rural production areas and provide for uses in rural areas that are compatible with agricultural production. ▪ To maintain other environmental values in rural areas, which supports agriculture (including protection of biodiversity and natural ecosystems, rural landscapes, and water quality). ▪ To facilitate opportunities for tourist activities that not adversely affect agricultural land use. Policies ▪ Important agricultural land will be identified and protected from conflicting land uses through the implementation of the local framework for assessing impacts to agricultural lands. ▪ Agricultural impact assessments must be prepared for any proposal identified as having the potential to adversely impact important agricultural lands. ▪ Proposals identified as being incompatible with existing or potential future agricultural enterprises will be generally discouraged, or will be required to establish and maintain appropriate buffers. ▪ Water supply requirements, including necessary water licences and appropriateness of ground water usage, will be considered for non-residential rural development proposals. ▪ Farm and property management plans will be required to address water quality and availability. ▪ Local-level agricultural lands mapping studies (including those recently completed by Hunter Councils) will be given consideration in the assessment of planning proposals and development applications. ▪ New or improved methods for identifying important agricultural lands will be considered. Strategic actions ▪ Investigate options for incorporating the Strategy’s local framework for assessing impacts to agricultural lands into statutory planning provisions (e.g. LEP) or, alternatively, DCP to: ▪ Mandate the preparation of an Agricultural Impact Assessment for certain developments that occur within areas identified as important to agricultural industries; and ▪ Identify and map important agricultural lands categories. ▪ Prepare detailed guidelines or templates for an Agricultural Impact Assessment, using the information outlined in Table 13 and Table 14. ▪ Review current planning provisions (e.g. LEP zoning use tables) to discourage incompatible land uses and activities in agricultural zones and establish suitable separation distances, using the criteria outlined in the Strategy. ▪ Develop policies for dwellings erected in conjunction with intensive agricultural production. ▪ Implement performance-based outcomes for the quality of water being discharged. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Land Use Strategy 2017 | The general planning criteria and benchmarks for maintaining important agricultural land within the LGA are identified in Table 14. These are intended to assist in reviewing planning proposals for rezoning lands, or determining the suitability of proposed developments relating to the subdivision or construction of lands in rural areas. These criteria will apply where land has been determined to be important agricultural land. They complement the agricultural impact assessment guidelines have been applied by identifying the desired outcomes for proposals that have the potential to affect important agricultural lands. Table 14: Planning criteria and benchmarks for maintaining locally important agricultural land | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Land Use Strategy 2017 | The guidelines and references provided in Table 13 will assist in identifying whether a proposal has the potential to adversely impact important agricultural lands. They have been established to protect the ongoing viability of agricultural or equine lands and existing enterprises. They will be used when considering on-site and off-site impacts of any land use change or development proposed in rural areas, including: ▪ Those within 2km separation distance of existing rural enterprises; ▪ All proposals for mining, new or expanded intensive agricultural industry; and ▪ All urban development or rural residential proposals with an area of 1ha or greater. The guidelines do not apply to any new or altered dwelling house on the same allotment of land used as agricultural or equine land, or where it can be demonstrated that the land has no agricultural value. Table 13: Local agricultural impact assessment guidelines and references (for rezonings and development) | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Land Use Strategy 2017 | The Strategy supports a coordinated approach to identifying appropriate guidelines and standards for rural subdivisions. This will be based on an updated rural landholding analysis and review of rural lot subdivision provisions and minimum areas, consistent with Upper Hunter Shire Council's objective to protect agricultural land and productivity. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Land Use Strategy 2017 | The Strategy supports this approach and seeks to strengthen the local policy framework to protect important agricultural lands. It identifies a local framework for assessing impacts on agricultural lands within the LGA, which will be used to inform land use decision-making. This framework is intended to assist in the assessment of development proposals and mitigate against competing land uses. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Land Use Strategy 2017 | Direction 4.4: Climate change implications for rural lands Objectives ▪ To ensure the implications of climate change are considered in local land use decision-making, particularly in rural areas. ▪ To support the ongoing viability of the LGA’s agricultural industries in the context of changing climatic conditions. ▪ To support opportunities for new types of rural enterprises that may emerge as a result of the implications of climate change. Policies ▪ The implications of climate change on local rural land uses, industries and communities will be continuously monitored, drawing on best available research and information. ▪ A conservative approach to development will be taken in areas already highly prone to flooding or bushfire, recognising the likely exacerbation of these hazards as a result of climate change. This may require additional construction standards for new development. ▪ Developments associated with new enterprise opportunities emerging as a result of changing climatic conditions will be encouraged. ▪ The development of renewable energy facilities will be supported in appropriate locations. Strategic actions ▪ No specific land use response is identified. | Sustainability and Environment | Food supply and food system resilience | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Land Use Strategy 2017 | The Strategy’s policies in relation to rural subdivision (Direction 4.1) and rural water supplies (Direction 4.3) seek to minimise the fragmentation of rural lands and protect current water entitlements and availability. | Sustainability and Environment | Food supply and food system resilience | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Shire Council COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2027 | G5 CS18 Encourage a diverse economy whilst promoting and preserving our agriculture and equine industries. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Shire Council COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2027 | KEY FOCUS AREA – ECONOMY & INFRASTRUCTURE Goal 5 РA sustainable and prosperous economy. G5 CS18 Encourage a diverse economy whilst promoting and preserving our agriculture and equine industries. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Shire Council COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2027 | G4 CS17 Implement policies to ensure the protection of strategic agricultural lands, equine critical industry clusters, natural resources and heritage. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Shire Council COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2027 | G5 CS18 Encourage a diverse economy whilst promoting and preserving our agriculture and equine industries. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Shire Council COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2027 | KEY FOCUS AREA – ECONOMY & INFRASTRUCTURE Goal 5 – A sustainable and prosperous economy. G5 CS18 Encourage a diverse economy whilst promoting and preserving our agriculture and equine industries. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| Upper Hunter Shire Council CULTURAL PLAN 2017-2027 | Support local businesses that develop tourism packages eg tourist drives, natural tourism, food and wine, accommodation | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Upper Hunter Shire | Regional |
| UPPER LACHLAN AGEING STRATEGY | Other Affordable Housing options • Abbeyfield Australia Abbeyfield Australia is a not for profit organisation that provides affordable, supportive accommodation for older people. A housekeeper prepares two meals each day, and residents prepare their own breakfast. To be eligible persons must be 55 years or older, be on a low income, and require some support to enable them to continue living in the community. • Housing for people with a disability People with a disability can access all of the housing types and assistance outlined above if they meet the requirements. In addition, the Special Assistance Subsidy – Disability (SAS-D) is paid to people with a disability who are approved for Priority Housing in public housing, or who have reached their turn on the public housing waiting list while they wait for a suitable place. Clients pay the same amount of rent as they would if they were living in public housing. • Housing for Aboriginal People and Torres Strait Islander people Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders can access all of the housing types and assistance outlined above if they meet the requirements. In addition, if persons meet the eligibility criteria for public housing they may be approved for housing assistance as an elderly client if they are confirmed to be an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander and are aged 55 years and over. | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Upper Lachlan | Regional |
| UPPER LACHLAN AGEING STRATEGY | Abbeyfield Australia Abbeyfield Australia is a not for profit organisation that provides affordable, supportive accommodation for older people. A housekeeper prepares two meals each day, and residents prepare their own breakfast. To be eligible persons must be 55 years or older, be on a low income, and require some support to enable them to continue living in the community. | Health and Wellbeing | Nutrition in vulnerable populations | NSW | Upper Lachlan | Regional |
| UPPER LACHLAN AGEING STRATEGY | Serviced apartments have fewer facilities than self-care units. Residents sleep in their own unit, and have help with their laundry and cleaning, and preparing meals. Meals are served in a communal dining room. | Health and Wellbeing | Nutrition in vulnerable populations | NSW | Upper Lachlan | Regional |
| UPPER LACHLAN TOURIST ASSOCIATION 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN | Encourage the development or reinstatement of events that showcase the heritage and culture eg Crookwell Potato Festival | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Upper Lachlan | Regional |
| UPPER LACHLAN TOURIST ASSOCIATION 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN | Fishing – The Upper Lachlan has some great fishing on offer particularly during trout fishing season. The major catchments of Lake Wyangala, Pejar Dam, Crookwell Water Supply, the key rivers of the Lachlan, Abercrombie and Wollondilly and their tributaries and catchments offer fantastic fishing opportunities that could be promoted to clubs and enthusiasts. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Upper Lachlan | Regional |
| UPPER LACHLAN TOURIST ASSOCIATION 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN | Food & Wine Tourism Food and wine experiences are a strength in a number of regions and whilst the Upper Lachlan has a range of produce from olives to turkeys, there are few that include a tourism angle to their business plan. Encouraging primary producers to add tourism to their business plan is an ongoing challenge but does represent a real opportunity as these types of authentic experiences are very popular. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Upper Lachlan | Regional |
| UPPER LACHLAN TOURIST ASSOCIATION 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN | Promote and support key events across the Shire that drive significant tourism traffic eg Taralga Rodeo, Gunning Fireworks, Collector Pumpkin Festival and agricultural shows | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Upper Lachlan | Regional |
| UPPER LACHLAN TOURIST ASSOCIATION 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN | Supply event management services to the Crookwell Potato Festival, Bag-A-Bargain and Autumn Garden Ramble events. Where possible the intention is to transition the management of events to community groups over time. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Upper Lachlan | Regional |
| UPPER LACHLAN TOURIST ASSOCIATION 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN | Work with local producers to increase the food and wine experiences available to visitors | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Upper Lachlan | Regional |
| UPPER LACHLAN TOURIST ASSOCIATION 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN | Encourage the development or reinstatement of events that showcase the heritage and culture eg Crookwell Potato Festival | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Upper Lachlan | Regional |
| UPPER LACHLAN TOURIST ASSOCIATION 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN | Promote and support key events across the Shire that drive significant tourism traffic eg Taralga Rodeo, Gunning Fireworks, Collector Pumpkin Festival | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Upper Lachlan | Regional |
| UPPER LACHLAN TOURIST ASSOCIATION 2020 STRATEGIC PLAN | Supply event management services to the Crookwell Potato Festival, Bag-A-Bargain and Autumn Garden Ramble events. Where possible the intention is to transition the management of events to community groups over time. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Upper Lachlan | Regional |
| Urban Agriculture Strategy 2019-2023 | Urban Agriculture Strategy 2019-2023 | Food System Policy | Dedicated food system policy/strategy | Victoria | Yarra | Metropolitan |
| Urban Agriculture Strategy 2019-23 | 1.4 Work with planners to include urban agriculture in planning referral process and investigate mechanisms to support provision of urban agriculture opportunities through the Yarra Planning Scheme. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Yarra | Metropolitan |