2026 Reports

Two Australian Policy Approaches for Integrating Local Food System Adaptation Strategies

Reis, Kimberley

This case study examines two policy approaches in Queensland, Australia, that integrate local food system adaptation within non-food policy frameworks. Focusing on Cairns in Far North Queensland and Logan in South East Queensland, it shows how regions facing climate extremes, population growth, and long food supply chains embed food resilience into disaster management, climate action, and urban design policies. In Cairns, disaster risk management and climate strategies support local food access through initiatives such as the Local Food Resilience Hub, strengthening food security and reducing emissions. In Logan, urban design frameworks and youth co-design projects promote local food production, edible landscapes, and community cohesion in a high-growth context. Together, the cases demonstrate how cross-portfolio collaboration, shared responsibility frameworks, and university–government partnerships can enhance adaptive capacity and advance multiple resilience outcomes through locally grounded food system planning.