Genetically Modified Food and the Blue Mountains LGA

At the 2 February Council meeting, Blue Mountains City Council supported the overwhelming majority of public submissions that sought a precautionary approach to genetically modified food production.  The Council opposes the introduction of GM food crops in the LGA and advocates the mandatory labelling of GM products. The Council will encourage the State and Federal Governments to re-impose GM free zones that ban commercial GM canola and mandatory labelling of all GM food. Further, the Council will take a precautionary approach to GM food supply in Council's food services by amending food contracts to specify that the Council favours GM free food. 

In brief, 141 public submissions were received, 123 of those were from residents of the Blue Mountains while 13 of those were from non-residents, and 5 were from unknown addresses. Of the 141 submissions received 138 were in support of a precautionary approach to GM food production in the LGA, while less than 2% did not support a precautionary approach.

This matter was publicly exhibited from 23 September 2009 to 26 November 2009.The Council utilised the online consultation tool – Bang the Table – during the public exhibition period. To see the supporting documentation and on-line discussion on this matter go to bangthetable.com/blue-mountains-city-council

To view the Register of GM Free Farms, Businesses and Councils go to www.geneethics.org/maps.

This item was posted in February 2010.