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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | CSP Strategy EC4 - Foster and develop a diverse, adaptive and innovative agricultural industry | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Delivery Program Action EC4.1 - Protect rural lands for agricultural purposes Opportunities to engage with the agricultural sector have not yet been identified. This will be identified through the Economic Development Committee. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Delivery Program Action EC4.1 - Protect rural lands for agricultural purposes Opportunities to engage with the agricultural sector have not yet been identified. This will be identified through the Economic Development Committee. A representative from NSW Farmers (Yass Branch) has been added to the Economic Development Committee membership | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | ogram Action EC4.2 - Identify opportunities and barriers for the agricultural industry in Yass Valley At present there has been no resources allocated to working with the local agricultural sector. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Operational Plan Activity EC4.1.1 - Ensure agricultural use of the land is considered in all rural development applications Council considers the relevant zone objectives within the Yass Valley LEP 2013 for all development applications. The zone objectives for rural land include: To encourage production by maintaining and enhancing the natural resource base. sustainable To encourage enterprises and systems appropriate for the area. diversity in primary primary industry industry To minimise the fragmentation and alienation of resource lands. To minimise conflict between land uses within this zone and land uses within adjoining zones. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Operational Plan Activity EC4.1.1 - Ensure agricultural use of the land is considered in all rural development applications Council continues to consider the relevant zone objectives within the Yass Valley LEP 2013 for all Development Applications. The zone objectives for rural land include: To encourage sustainable primary industry production by maintaining and enhancing the natural resource base To encourage diversity in primary industry enterprises and systems appropriate for the area To minimise the fragmentation and alienation of resource lands To minimise conflict between land uses within this zone and land uses within adjoining zones | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | rogram Action EC4.2 - Identify opportunities and barriers for the agricultural industry in Yass Valley At present there has been no resources allocated to working with the local agricultural sector. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | The YVC Weeds Biosecurity Officer and Environmental Services Coordinator took part in a ‘Weeds Forum’ organised by the NSW Farmers’ Yass Branch in Yass on Thursday the 27 June. Staff were part of a panel with other State agencies (Local Land Services and NSW Department of Primary Industry) to discuss weed issues within the LGA and the ‘Weeds Action Plan’ which has since been to Councillors and put on public exhibition. | Sustainability and Environment | Sustainable local food production | 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 | Sustainability and Environment | Home and community gardening | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | 140,500 eligible Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) bottles/containers recovered from transfer station recycling and refunded through bulk CDS “Return It” scheme. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | 94,500 eligible Container deposit Scheme bottles/containers recovered from transfer station recycling and refunded through bulk CDS “Return It” scheme. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | 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 | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | 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. | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | 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 | Food Waste | Food losses and food waste | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | A total of 103 food shop inspections were also conducted throughout the YVC area. In addition to the inspections, educational advice and material was provided to operators. There was 1 warning letter and 2 improvement notices issued. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Delivery Program Action CL1.1 - Ensure activities carried out in Yass Valley are in a safe manner and meet legislative requirements There have been no compliance breaches reported to Council by any external agencies. Operational Plan Activity CL1.1.1 - Monitor and respond to compliance issues relating to OSSM systems food and other regulated premises | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Operational Plan Activity CL1.1.1 - Monitor and respond to compliance issues relating to OSSM systems food and other regulated premises, companion animals, livestock and parking OSSM (On-site Sewerage Management) audits have been conducted in line with the strategy and audits undertaken on high risk areas and systems. This has not only included households but also caravan parks and business premises. During the reporting period, a total of 88 inspections were conducted. A total of 165 food shop inspections were also conducted throughout the Yass Valley. In addition to the inspections, educational advice and material was provided to operators. There were 2 warning letters and 4 improvement notices issued. | Food Quality and Safety | Education on/enforce food safety regulations | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Delivery Program Action EC1.2 - Enhance and promote the Yass Valley brand to drive positive economic activity Partnering with Upper Lachlan and Hilltops Councils the Tourism Team attended the Canberra Home and Leisure Show in October 2018. We did not participate in any further events during the January to June reporting period. Operational Plan Activity EC1.2.1 - Position and promote Yass Valley as a place to do The establishment of reporting metrics to measure business enquiry to conversion are still to be established. Inquiries for new businesses are treated as commercial in confidence until a Development Application is lodged or an announcement made by the business itself. Service delivery for economic development and tourism was reviewed in April/June 2019 following the resignation of two key staff members. The Economic Development Committee provided input and comments are currently being reviewed. The State Government finalised the Regional Economic Development Strategy for the Tablelands (Yass Valley, Goulburn Mulwaree and Upper Lachlan), identifying key strengths and sectors for future development – of interest for Yass Valley is the Agricultural, Health and Aged Care, Freight and Logistics and Visitor Economy (tourism) sectors. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Delivery Program Action EC4.2 - Identify opportunities and barriers for the agricultural industry in Yass Valley At present there has been no resources allocated to working with the local agricultural sector. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | The State Government finalised the Regional Economic Development Strategy for the Tablelands (Yass Valley, Goulburn-Mulwaree and Upper Lachlan), identifying key strengths and sectors for future development – of interest for Yass Valley is the Agricultural, Health and Aged Care, Freight and Logistics and Visitor Economy (tourism) sectors. | Economic Development | Food related job creation | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Delivery Program Action EC1.2 - Enhance and promote the Yass Valley brand to drive positive economic activity Partnering with Upper Lachlan and Hilltops Councils the tourism team attended the Canberra Home and Leisure Show in October. The event held over three days is attended by approximately 20,000 people, with an interest in leisure. Promoting the region as an accessible short break destination with a food and wine focussed display was an innovative approach to previous years. Over 500 information packs were distributed and over $3,500 of product sales were achieved. The concept will be reviewed to determine participation options for 2019 | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | 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 | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | 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. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | 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. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | 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 Council actively engages in promoting local businesses but there is an opportunity to promote this further from an environmental standpoint. This will be explored further in the next 6 months. | Economic Development | Local food initiatives for economic development | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | agricultural working group via the Economic Development Committee p | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | CSP Strategy EC4 - Foster and develop a diverse, adaptive and innovative agricultural industry | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | e agricultural working group within the economic development committee has been disbanded as no opportunities to engage with this sector have yet been identified. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | Operational Plan Activity EC4.2.1 - Facilitate an agricultural working group via the Economic Development Committee The Agricultural Working Group within the Economic Development Committee has been disbanded as no opportunities to engage with this sector have yet been identified. A representative from NSW Farmers (Yass Branch) has been added to the membership of the Committee. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |
| Yass Valley Council’s 2018/2019 Annual Report | The YVC Weeds Biosecurity Officer and Environmental Services Coordinator took part in a ‘Weeds Forum’ organised by the NSW Farmers’ Yass Branch in Yass on Thursday the 27 June. Staff were part of a panel with other State agencies (Local Land Services and NSW Department of Primary Industry) to discuss weed issues within the LGA and the ‘Weeds Action Plan’ which has since been to Councillors and put on public exhibition. | Economic Development | Local food producers | NSW | Yass Valley | Regional |