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PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

11 FEBRUARY 2009

18 CAIRNS LOCAL FOOD MARKET Maree Grenfell : 8/27/3-: #1957534

RECOMMENDATION: That Council resolves to note this report on the progress and launch of the Cairns Local Food Market.

INTRODUCTION: The Network for Sustainable and Diversified Agriculture (NSDA) delivered a deputation to Council on 22 September 2008 on their Local Food Market project. The NSDA requested Council support in the process required to find a suitable market site and a Council Officer to act as a conduit between the Local Food Market committee and Council. The Sustainability Officer has acted in this capacity and the Local Food market will be launched in April 2009. Funded under the Queensland Government’s Blueprint for the Bush Program, the project aims to offer fresh and local produce to the Cairns region by facilitating a quality market space for local producers of fresh and value added products. In addition the group aims to provide the wider Cairns community with fresh local products and promote informed consumer choices.

BACKGROUND: Much of the local food produce sold in the Cairns region is transported to Brisbane before being sent back to Cairns for distribution into supermarkets and various stores. The excessive transport required for this process translates into a high carbon food cost for the region. Reducing food “kilometres” for the region would significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the Cairns regional community. The reduction of food miles in associated food transport contributes to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions which is aligned with Council’s commitment to the Cities for Climate Protection. In addition the Local Food Network will support local growers and food producers hence the local food economy. A healthy local economy is an important contributor to community resilience. The Local Food Market group have established a set of criteria for producers to adhere to, stipulating produce must be manufactured or caught in the region – which is bound by Cardwell, Cooktown and Chillagoe. All products will be labelled as to where they were grown or manufactured, the distance they travelled to identify “food kilometres” and when they were harvested.

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The Pier at the Marina has been selected for the Local Food Market with the market to be held within the existing centre (please see attached map). The Pier is on Strategic Port Land and as such any land use regulation would be via Cairns Ports Strategic Land Use Plan (not Cairns Plan). The Pier is centrally located with ample parking and access to bike paths and public transport. It offers all weather shelter, public amenities and a variety of community orientated activities. The market will be held on Saturdays and will be launched in April 2009.

CONSIDERATIONS: Corporate and Operational Plans: The recommendation relates to the following in the CCC Corporate Plan: Key Goal 4 – Caring for the environment 4.1 - Improved natural resource sustainability 4.4.4 - Complete the five Milestones of the Cities for Climate Protection Program to

achieve the adopted Greenhouse Gas reduction targets to 20% below 2001 levels by 2010 in both the Corporate and Community sectors.

Key Goal 6 – Health, safety, community development 6.3 – Increased community awareness of health matters Key Goal 10 – Governance 10.1 - Clear interface between community, elected members and staff Statutory: n/a Policy: The Local Food Market relates to the “Protection of the Natural Environment Policy” and to the “Carbon Reduction Policy”. Financial and Risk: There is no risk to Council in noting this report. Sustainability: The Local Food Market will contribute to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from food transport, will provide a community service by offering quality fresh food to the community and will facilitate opportunities for local producers to gain financially from selling their produce. This demonstrates achieving a triple bottom line benefit for the wider Cairns community (environment, community and economy).

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CONSULTATION:

• Manager Planning Strategies • Commentary on Property Group • Manager Development Assessment • Local Food market Coordinator • Executive Officer to the General Manager Planning & Environment • Planning Officer • Environmental Health Officer

OPTIONS: That Council resolves not to note this report on the progress of the Cairns Local Food Market.

CONCLUSION: The Local Food Market will be launched in April at the Pier Marina. The initiative meets a number of core values of importance to the council and will contribute to Council’s greenhouse gas reduction goal as aligned with the Cities for Climate Protection program. Cairns Regional Council welcomes initiatives of this type in the region meeting triple bottom line sustainability outcomes. The group has extended the opportunity for Council to display educative material at the markets to better inform the community about greenhouse gas emissions reduction and Council programs.

ATTACHMENTS: 1. Location map of The Pier at the Cairns Marina Maree Grenfell Sustainability Officer Peter Boyd Manager Planning Strategies Peter Tabulo General Manager Planning & Environment

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Attachment 1. Location map of The Pier at the Cairns Marina