Access to Information

Access to information - Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009

Council is committed to openness, accountability and transparency and has a pro-active approach to providing information to the public.

Accessing Goulburn Mulwaree Council Information

There are four ways in which Council information is available under the GIPA Act:

1. Mandatory release:

Certain information, referred to as open access information, must be published free of charge. You can refer to Councils Agency Information Guide for a list of this information.

NOTE: Due to limitations of Council's resources, open access information may not be posted to Council’s website. For queries please contact Council's Governance team on 423 4444.

2. Proactive release:

Beyond mandatory release, Council is encouraged (and authorised) to release as much government information as possible.

3. Property Information Request Application:

Council is able to release some information relating to a development file such as development consents, construction certificates, occupation certificates and plans and reports subject to copyright restrictions.

A development application and associated documents received by Council prior to 1 July 2010 is no longer Open Access information in accordance with Schedule 1, clause 3(1)(b) of the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2018.

A large amount of information submitted with development applications belongs to third parties and is therefore subject of copyright laws, such as plans and reports. Access to this information will only be provided with written consent of the copyright owner.

4. Formal Access Application:

If information can't be accessed through any of the above ways, for example personal or business information about a third party, a Formal Access Application can be submitted.

The requirements for making a valid access application are:

· it must be in writing on Council’s Formal Access Application Form and sent to or lodged at Council;

· it must clearly indicate that it is an access application made under the GIPA Act;

· it must be accompanied by a $30 application fee;

· it must state a postal address for correspondence in connection with the application;

· it must include sufficient detail to identify the information being sought.

Decisions made in response to formal applications can be reviewed.

Fees and Charges:

If you request a copy of information held by Council, Council may charge a fee to cover photocopying and/or processing costs where applicable. Please refer to Council's fees and charges for more information.

Where can I get more information about right to information?

https://www.ipc.nsw.gov.au/

GIPA Act Formal Access Fees and Charges

Contact Details

Right to Information Officer

Phone: (02) 4823 4444

council@goulburn.nsw.gov.au

Councils Agency Information Guide(PDF, 431KB)

Formal Access Application(PDF, 67KB) 

GIPA Disclosure Log(PDF, 424KB)  

Tips for Framing your Access Application(PDF, 184KB)

Property Information Request Form(PDF, 726KB)