Access To Council Information (GIPA Act)
The new legislation:
- creates new rights to information that are designed to meet community expectations of more open and transparent government
- encourages the routine and proactive release of government information.
The GIPA Act provides for Council information to be released in the following ways:
1. Mandatory Proactive Release (Open Access)
This information is made available on Council’s website and is available free of charge, e.g. Council policies, meeting agendas and minutes, media releases and annual reports etc
2. Proactive Release
Council is encouraged to make as much information of public interest as possible publicly available free of charge or at minimal cost. e.g. frequently requested information or information of public interest
3. Informal Release
Other information held is authorised to be released in response to an informal request, subject to any reasonable conditions that Council may wish to impose. e.g. requests for the personal information of the individual concerned but NOT another persons personal information. Written application forms are required for both Informal and Formal applications.
4. Formal Release
The release of all other information not made available by either mandatory, proactive or informal release can be made by way of a formal access application. Standard fees and charges and time frames are applicable for such applications. e.g. Personal information relating to a third party where consultation is required or where information is of a confidential nature. Written application forms are required for both Informal and Formal applications.
Formal Application (PDF 166KB)
Additional Information
- Fact sheets have been developed in relation to your rights to access Council information and your rights of appeal.
- You can find out more about your right to information and new ways to access NSW government information on the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) website at www.oic.nsw.gov.au
Contact details
For detailed information regarding the Government Information (Public Access) Act, contact details are as follows:
General information and Formal Applications
Chris Wilson – 9942-2352
Informal Applications
Carol Freshwater – 9942-2676
