Northern Rivers Food Links Project

Northern Rivers Food Links ProjectBackground

Local councils in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales have received a grant of approximately $2m from the NSW Environmental Trust for a 3 year project called ‘Northern Rivers Food Links'.

Project aim

The project aims to future- proof the Northern Rivers urban communities against the impacts of Climate Change and Peak Oil by addressing the environmental impacts of food supply chains locally.

Project description

The project will:

  • assist local government to build capacity and develop the skills, resources and tools needed to support urban agriculture,
  • increase community education on links between sustainability and buying local,
  • increase links between organic waste recycling and nutrient harvesting for soil health,
  • reduce organic waste and landfill,
  • enhance food literacy and healthy lifestyles,
  • support a reduction of transportation and petrol costs associated with food supply,
  • reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the food distribution systems,
  • increase social connectedness and community resilience, and
  • develop better connections between the region's growers and consumers.

Update

Phase one of the Northern Rivers Foods Links in now nearing completion with the draft business plan sent to DECCW in October. A response from the funding agency is expected by the end of 2009.

Phase two - implementation stage - will commence in early 2010, with the first round of funding due for payment in May 2010.

Please check this website regularly for project updates.

Thank you to all those who continue to support and be interested in this exciting project.

Further Information

For further information, including regular updates about the project, please view the Project Homepage.