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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yarra Ranges Council 2018-19 Annual Report | This service assesses planning applications against the Yarra Ranges Planning scheme to ensure applications are amenity, natural systems, agriculture whilst encouraging appropriate use and development. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| Yarra Ranges Council 2018-19 Annual Report | The Lilydale Township Action Group (LTAG) was established as a community voice to the many community projects and infrastructure projects in Lilydale. Community projects include the Community Garden, advocacy for a local Community Centre, and beautification of Main Street Lilydale. | Sustainability and Environment | Food production on LG land | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| Yarra Ranges Council 2018-19 Annual Report | 2. Agribusiness support and development The service offers advice on planning applications, networking opportunities for agribusinesses and works with industry to advocate, for example, for a recycled water pipeline to support local food production. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| Yarra Ranges Council 2018-19 Annual Report | securing adequate water supplies to ensure the economic stability for the agricultural industry | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable water management in food production | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| Yarra Ranges Council 2018-19 Annual Report | Introduced a rebate for Yarra Ranges residents who purchase new composting equipment. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| Yarra Ranges Council 2018-19 Annual Report | The Lilydale Township Action Group (LTAG) was established as a community voice to the many community projects and infrastructure projects in Lilydale. Community projects include the Community Garden, advocacy for a local Community Centre, and beautification of Main Street Lilydale. | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| Yarra Ranges Council 2018-19 Annual Report | Held climate change meetings with farmers, landowners and community members on farming challenges and opportunities in Healesville | Sustainability and Environment | Food supply and food system resilience | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| Yarra Ranges Council 2018-19 Annual Report | Introduced a rebate for Yarra Ranges residents who purchase new composting equipment. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| Yarra Ranges Council 2018-19 Annual Report | Food safety assessments [number of registered class 1 and class 2 food premises that received an annual food safety assessments/ Number of registered food premises that required an assessment] Service cost Cost of food safety service [Direct cost of the food safety service / Number of food premises registered or notified in accordance with the Food Act 1984] Health and safety Critical and major non-compliance outcome notifications [Number of critical noncompliance notifications and major noncompliance Yarra Ranges Council Annual Report 2018-19 $260.93 $163.32 $211.65 $181.72 The decrease in the cost of the food safety service can be attributed to a reduction in contractor and consultant expenditure as well as an improved business model following the 201718 service review. 85.94% 84.09% 100.00% 97.73% The number of noncompliance notifications substantially increased from 12 to 88 over the period due to a greater focus on compliance and prevention. Results 2015-16 101.80% Results 2016-17 103.25% | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| Yarra Ranges Council 2018-19 Annual Report | Food safety Health and safety Critical and major non-compliance outcome notifications [Number of critical non-compliance outcome notifications and major noncompliance outcome notifications about a food premises followed up / Number of critical non-compliance outcome notifications and major non-compliance outcome notifications about food premises] x100 85.93% 84.09%* 100.00%* 97.73%* The number of noncompliance notifications substantially increased from 12 to 88 over the period due to a greater focus on compliance and prevention. *From 1 July 2016, 'Critical and major non-compliance outcome notifications' are now reported by calendar year. Previously this indicator was reported by financial year. This has been implemented to better align reporting with the Department of Health and Human Services. This did result in some variances year on year. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| Yarra Ranges Council 2018-19 Annual Report | Food safety Service standard Time taken to action food complaints [Number of days between receipt and first response action for all food complaints /Number of food complaints] Results 2015-16 $11.34 Results 2016-17 $9.81 Results 2017-18 $9.15 Results 2018-19 $9.16 Material Variation The contractual cost per outdoor pool visit has remained stable over the last two years. 2 days 1 day 1.81 day 2.26 days The average time taken to action food complaints has increased slightly due to a higher number of complaints received. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| Yarra Ranges Council 2018-19 Annual Report | Food, health, and environment inspections and protection | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | Victoria | Yarra Ranges | Metropolitan |
| Yarriambiack Shire Sport and Recreation Strategy 2016-2025 | Healthy eating Support the work of YCHANGe working group as it works towards improving the health of food and beverages available at sports events. | Health and Wellbeing | Partner with sport clubs to provide healthy choices | Victoria | Yarriambiack | Regional |
| Yarriambiack Shire Sport and Recreation Strategy 2016-2025 | In partnership with Deakin University and Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly, encourage sports clubs to limit the amount of unhealthy food and drinks at sports events | Health and Wellbeing | Partner with sport clubs to provide healthy choices | Victoria | Yarriambiack | Regional |
| Yarriambiack Shire Sport and Recreation Strategy 2016-2025 | The Yarriambiack – Creating healthy, active, nourished generations (YCHANGe) shire wide initiative working groups have prioritised improving the health of food and beverages available at sporting events. It is acknowledged there are multiple complexities in this task, particularly given that the sporting groups rely on this income to part-fund their operations. A preliminary working group has been formed and initial discussions held with the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly to identify where YCHANGe can work with WRSA to strengthen the importance of providing healthy options. This initiative should be supported. | Health and Wellbeing | Partner with sport clubs to provide healthy choices | Victoria | Yarriambiack | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | In the period March-May 2019 Council made representations to government ministers and election candidates relating to the unmet need for crisis accommodation for young people in Yass Valley and has continued to advocate in this regard. In May 2019 Council resolved to conduct a local housing forum to identify needs and gaps in relation to social and affordable housing to inform the development of a local housing strategy. It is proposed that this strategy will provide a basis for Council’s advocacy to ensure unmet social and affordable housing needs, including crisis needs, are addressed. Initial planning work relating to the local housing forum has been completed | Social Policy | Affordable housing | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Delivery Program Action EN2.3 - Conduct engagement programs that encourage positive behaviour change in the community The 'Sustainability Sunday' posts are continuing and have received a positive response. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Delivery Program Action EN2.3 - Conduct engagement programs that encourage positive behaviour change in the community The 'Sustainability Sunday' posts are continuing and have received a positive response. Grant funding from the NSW Environmental Trust has been secured to run community workshops on waste reduction. The last workshops were on “Halving Your Household Waste” which was held in Sutton in February 2019, and “Composting, Bokashi Buckets and Worm Farming” which was held in September 2018 in Yass | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Delivery Program Action EN2.4 - Work with schools to increase awareness of caring for the local environment | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Delivery Program Action EN5.3 - Promote initiatives in the community such as Eat/Shop Local, Love your Leftovers and being efficient with electricity All of the above topics are covered via our weekly #sustainabilitysunday Facebook posts. We have had significant levels of engagement from the community in response to these posts. This is an ongoing initiative | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Delivery Program Action EN5.3 - Promote initiatives in the community such as Eat/Shop Local, Love your Leftovers and being efficient with electricity All of the above topics are covered via our weekly #sustainabilitysunday Facebook posts. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Operational Plan Activity EN5.3.1 - Working with local businesses, organisations and the Chamber of Commerce to carry out promotional activities related to eating and shopping locally This topic will be featured in our #sustainabilitysunday posts in the next 6 months. | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | The EnviroMentors (run by Keep Australia Beautiful) will be run in Term 3 in all interested primary schools in the Yass Valley, on the topics ‘Litter’ (how to keep Operational Plan Activity EN2.2.1 – Ensure new or refurbished buildings and facility designs incorporate water efficiency measures The new amenities building at Binalong Recreation Ground was completed in April 2019 using dual flush systems and water efficient toilets and shower heads in the facility. Delivery Program Action EN2.3 - Conduct engagement programs that encourage positive behaviour change in the community The 'Sustainability Sunday' posts are continuing and have received a positive response. Grant funding from the NSW Environmental Trust has been secured to run community workshops on waste reduction. The last workshops were on “Halving Your Household Waste” which was held in Sutton in February 2019, and “Composting, Bokashi Buckets and Worm Farming” which was held in September 2018 in Yass. The next school education programs, “EnviroMentors”, will be run in local primary schools in Term 3. Working Together for our Community waste from entering our environment as litter) and ‘Lunches Unwrapped’, which encourages less waste produced from packed lunches. The “Hands On for Less Waste” project makes these workshops possible, with funding from the NSW Environmental Trust | Health and Wellbeing | Education/events on food system issues | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | CSP Strategy IN5 - Ensure high quality water supply options for the towns in the region | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Delivery Program Action IN5.1 - Council to supply quality water, cater for growth and quality enhancements that addresses the community needs Upgrade of water connections to individual households were completed on the 300 mm distribution main. Progress on the Yass to Murrumbateman Water Transfer System Project was reported to Council Meetings in August, November and December 2018. Contract for design and construction of 2.15 ML reservoir at Murrumbateman was awarded following an open tender process and the construction has commenced in November 2018. Tender for construction pump station Morton Avenue and a 17.9 km pipeline from Yass to Murrumbateman was called. Council resolved to accept a refund on the 50% interest payment over the repayment period of 10 years a loan of $2,245,000 under the NSW Government’s Low Cost Loan Initiative. | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Drinking Fountain | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Operational Plan Activity IN5.1.1 - Council to supply quality water, cater for growth and quality enhancements that addresses the community needs | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | options for the towns in the region Delivery Program Action IN5.1 - Council to supply quality water, cater for growth and quality enhancements that addresses the community needs On-going program to replace AC (asbestos cement) water mains was completed in the Hope Street section between Hume Street and Ford Street. Progress on the Yass to Murrumbateman Water Transfer System Project is reported to Council Meetings monthly. Construction of 2.15 ML reservoir at Murrumbateman was awarded in November 2018 and works nearing completion in September 2019. Tender for construction pump station Morton Avenue and a 17.9 km pipeline from Yass to Murrumbateman was awarded in April 2019 and works due to be completed in late May 2020. Council resolved to accept a refund on the 50% interest payment over the repayment period of 10 years a loan of $2,245,000 under the NSW Government’s Low Cost Loan Initiative | Health and Wellbeing | Access to safe drinking water | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | To protect the geologically significant areas of Yass Valley. To maintain the rural character of Yass Valley. To encourage the use of rural land for agriculture and other forms of development that are associated with rural industry or that require An isolated or rural location. To ensure that the location, type and intensity of development is appropriate, having regard to the characteristics of the land, the rural Environment and the need to protect significant natural resources, including prime crop and pasture land. To prevent the subdivision of land on the fringe of urban areas into small lots that may prejudice the proper layout of future urban areas. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | To protect the geologically significant areas of Yass alley To maintain the rural character of Yass Valley To encourage the use of rural land for agriculture and other forms of development that are associated with rural industry or that require An isolated or rural location To ensure that the location, type and intensity of development is appropriate, having regard to the characteristics of the land, the rural Environment and the need to protect significant natural resources, including prime crop and pasture land To prevent the subdivision of land on the fringe of urban areas into small lots that may prejudice the proper layout of future urban areas | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |