Option 1: Search Our Website

Search Council’s website to see if the information is readily available. Information on Council’s website includes:

• Policies
• Business papers and minutes from council meetings
• Annual Reports
• Financial Statements
• Contracts Register (list of Council’s contracts with a value greater than $150,000)

Option 2: Contact Council

If the information you want is not on this website, contact us and we will tell you whether the requested information:

• Is open access information that is already available and how you can access the information
• Can be made available as part of a proactive release of information
• Can be disclosed to you through informal release
• Requires a formal access application

You should speak with the relevant department relating to the information you’re looking for. For example, if it is about a dog or parking, speak to the Regulatory Services Team, or if it is about a Development Application, speak to the Planning Team.

Timeframes – Council will process requests as soon as possible, however, there are no timeframes set by law for requests of this nature.

Option 3: Submit a Formal GIPA Application

Some information cannot be released informally; for example, if the information contains a third party’s personal or business details, or sensitive information, or it will take some time to process.

If Council advises you that the information you’re searching for cannot be released informally, you will need to lodge a formal GIPA application using Council’s Formal Access Application.

Timeframes – Council is required by law to process formal requests within 20 working days (where no consultation is required) or 35 working days (where consultation or archival retrieval are required).

If you disagree with a reviewable decision of Council, you may seek a review of the decision.

Formal GIPA Application Fees

In most cases your request would be considered an ‘informal request’ for information and no charge will occur. However, requests that require a formal application must be submitted in writing, and an application fee applies. Hourly processing charges may also be levied, depending on the type and amount of information sought.

If you request a hard copy of information held by Council, Council may also charge a fee to cover photocopying or printing.

Please refer to Council’s Fees & Charges for more information.

Building and Development Application Information

If you are searching for information relating to Development Applications or building information, you will need to complete a Property Information Request form.

For development applications determined before 1 July 2010, Council will need to search historical records that may be archived; the processing time for these applications is longer and a fee applies. For development applications determined on or after 1 July 2010, processing times are usually quicker, and no fee applies in most circumstances.

If you are requesting floor plans, you must have the property owner’s consent. Additionally, for floor plans of units and townhouses, a letter of authority must be obtained from the body corporate and must include their official seal.

The Property Information Request form can be used to request:

• Copies of consents, certificates, building plans, approvals etc (fees may apply)
• Dwelling permissibility status of a property (fees apply)
• Flood levels and associated flooding information (fees apply)