Public Documents

Access to Public Documents

Members of the public are entitled to have access the majority of Council documents. Inspection of Council documents is generally free, although reasonable photocopying charges are payable if you want your own copy.

Section 12 of the Local Government Act 1993 specifies those documents that must be available free of charge for people to inspect at the Civic Centre during business hours. These documents include:

Council Codes of Conduct, plans of management, strategic and operational policies and reports
Registers and returns, such as Council's register of delegations, register of investments and returns about candidates campaign donations.
Agendas, business papers and minutes from Council and Committee meetings (except for any parts of the meeting that were closed to the public)
Planning and development documents, such as building and development applications, records of building certificates and approvals, leases and licenses for community land, and environmental planning instruments.

Access to documents other than those listed above may be possible, and requests for such documents should be forwarded to Council in writing.

Freedom of Information

You can also use the Freedom of Information Act 1989 to apply for access to Council document if they are not available under Section 12 of the Local Government Act. An application form is available from the Civic Centre.

Privacy Issues

When accessing Council documents, you need to be aware of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998, which helps to protect personal information and the privacy of individuals. Council has a Privacy Management Plan that ensures Council complies with the Act, and other legislation regarding public access to information. A copy of this plan is available under Section 12 of the Local Government Act.

Public Documents

Annual Report
Community Plan
Council Policies
Cultural Plan
Local Government Act 1993
Management Plan
Plans of Management
Planning Policies

Claim Form For Inclusion In The Role Of Non-residential Owners, Occupiers & Ratepaying Lessees [32KB]