City of Banyule Urban Agriculture Policy Snapshot

Banyule City Council Policy Snapshot

Background and Overview

Throughout all Banyule Council documents relating to food security, urban agriculture, urban food systems and food sovereignty is a deep concern for the long-term health of the environment and the people within it. Particularly in relation to Banyule’s City Plan’s ‘Planet, People and Place’ objectives (2013-2017), there is a clear recognition and prioritisation of the fundamental human needs for clean water, clean air, and safe food. The intrinsic value of nature and concepts of stewardship, sustainability, ecological health, and the responsible use of natural resources (including water, energy and land) are present throughout many council documents relating either specifically to, or that refer to areas of food and urban agriculture. Banyule Council recognises their multidimensional role as planner, service provider, advocate, example setter, educator, partner and community engager.

While Council has not developed an urban agriculture or food strategy specifically, there are a number excising council documents that act in a complementary manner to portray a deeply complex understanding of human and ecological health, and the role of food and urban agriculture in achieving those objectives (2013, City of Banyule).

Review of Policies, Plans and Procedures Addressing Urban Agriculture and Related Areas

Name of Document	Reference to Urban Agriculture and Related Areas
Banyule City Plan (2013-2017	Four of the five strategic objectives of The City Plan (Place, People, Participation and Planet) have outcomes that relate to some component of urban agriculture, food security, food sovereignty, or urban food systemThere is a high level of integration (in terms of principles and objectives) between City Plan (2013-2017), Planet Strategy (2013-2017), People Strategy (aka Health and Wellbeing Policy and Strategy) (2013-2017), Place Strategy (2013- 2017), Participation Strategy (2013-2017) and the Environmental Stewardship Plan (2013-2017) (see appendices 1 & 2). (2013, City of Banyule).
Planet: Environmental Sustainability Policy and Strategy (2013-2017)	Of the five Council objectives and related strategies (5 P’s), Planet has the greatest linkages to food and urban agriculture.This is a highly detailed document that recognises the need to ensure the long-term health and wellbeing of the environment and of the people within it. It outlines which policies and plans across council contribute to the broader environmental objectives of the Planet Strategy. Various components of urban agriculture, urban food system, food security, and food sovereignty are referenced in each of Planets objectives; i) Protect and enhance our natural environment Weed Management Strategy (2006) Vegetation Protection Plans and Policies Urban Forest Strategic Plan The Biodiversity Plan (2014-2017) Place Policy and Strategy (2013-2017) ii) Conserve water and improve stormwater quality and impact Water Sustainability Plan (2013) iii) Deliver appropriate action on climate change Various investment and education initiatives and resources for energy efficient living iv) Avoid waste generation Information and links regarding best practice recycling Waste education resources (Waste Wise Education Program, and Rethink Education Centre) v) Act as environmental stewards The Environmental Stewardship Plan (2014-2017) (2013,2013a,2013b, City of Banyule).
Community Gardens Guidelines (2015)	The document establishes Council’s rationale and policy principles for supporting the establishment of community gardens and provides guidelines to assist interested community organisations to determine their eligibility (2015, City of Banyule).
Home Harvest Program (Annual)	Held in March annually, and provides opportunities for residents who grow food at home (and in community gardens and other urban spaces) to come together to share ideas, knowledge and inspiration. It involves workshops on topics such as fruit tree pruning and grafting, soil care and composting.The aims and benefits of the Home Harvest Program also supports Council’s People Policy (Health and Well-Being Policy and Strategy 2013-2017), specifically Council’s food security strategy and objectives in relation to promoting community health and wellbeing (City of Banyule, Publications and Reports)
Home Harvest Booklet (2013)	Produced in partnerships with Manningham, Nillumbik, and City of Whittlesea Councils with text by Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) A multi-functional document that provides information on best practices for food growing in urban environments Emphasis on design, product selection, maintenance, waste management, health and disease prevention. Information, promotion and support of alternate food systems (food swaps, farmers markets, etc.) in the form web-links (City of Banyule, Publications and Reports)
Sustainable Garden Booklet (2014)	The booklet has been designed to provide the community with local information and inspiration to create a ‘beautiful and sustainable garden that respects your local environment’. Focus is on non-edible varieties. Also see Indigenous Plants for Your Garden Booklet (2014, City of Banyule).

iii. Review of Existing or Developing Food Systems and Urban Agriculture Strategies

Council has not developed an independent food or urban agriculture strategy specifically. However, when viewed together the Community Gardens Guidelines, Home Harvest Program & Booklet, Sustainable Garden Booklet, and the links and resources available on Banyule Council website, act as a complementary and highly valuable tool for enabling and supporting community involvement and understanding of urban agriculture and related areas. When viewed in the context of The City Plan, the Five P objectives and related strategies (Planet, People, Place, Participation & Performance), and The Environmental Stewardship Plan, the policies, guidelines and resources relating to food security, food sovereignty, and urban agriculture can be seen to comprise an integral part of broader Council objectives.

Snapshot & Summary
Strategy / Framework / NA	N/A
Does the Strategy or Framework integrate existing policy documents that explicitly address or make reference to urban agriculture and related area?	N/A
Does the Strategy or Framework make reference to the Council Plan and appear to be integrated into the achievement of the Plan’s major objectives?	N/A
Does the Strategy or Framework make reference to and integrate the objectives of The Municipal Health and Wellbeing Act (2008) into its framework?	N/A
Does the Strategy or Framework recognise and address the ecological, economic, environmental, social welfare, cultural, and social benefits of urban agriculture and local food systems?	N/A
Does the Strategy or Framework recognise the interconnectedness of urban food systems (from production, processing, distribution, access, consumption, nutrient/waste capturing, and recycling)?	N/A
Does the Strategy or Framework have an action or implementation plan, a set of indicators, or feedback mechanisms that will allow it to evaluate its development, achievements, successes, obstacles, barriers and lessons.	N/A
Is there an educational component of the Strategy or Framework?	N/A
Is the Strategy being overseen by a dedicated Food Policy Liaison Officer?	No