Accessing Council information
All members of the public have the right to request access to information held by Council.
Under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, there is a preference for the disclosure of government information, unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.
The law is designed to:
- create rights to information that are designed to meet community expectations of more open and transparent government
- encourage government agencies to proactively release government information.
You can find out more about your right to information and new ways to access government information from the NSW Information and Privacy Commission on 1800 472 679 or from its website at www.ipc.nsw.gov.au.
Access to information
Council publishes a range of information, including:
- our policies
- our information guide
- a disclosure log of information applications
- details of information not disclosed to the public
- our register of contracts
Go to Open Access Information to find out more.
Informal requests for information
If you are looking for information that is not available on our website, you should submit an Informal Request for Information form. We will deal with as many information requests as possible, informally, subject to the public interest test. Documents will be provided to applicants free of charge, electronically (via email), wherever possible.
Further information can be found here.
Formal access requests
We may require a Formal GIPA Application form be submitted when the information sought:
- is of a sensitive nature that requires careful weighing of the considerations in favour of and against disclosure; or
- contains legal advice; or
- contains personal or confidential information about a third party that requires consultation; or
- contains business (or commercial in confidence) information; or
- would involve a significant amount of time and/or resources to produce.
Further information can be found here.