Your rights to information
Your rights to access Council information are provided in the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW) (GIPAA). The Act commenced on 1 July 2010 and replaces the Freedom of Information Act 1989 (NSW) and section 12 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW).
Council is committed to open, accountable and transparent government. Under the GIPAA, Council will proactively publish more information on Council’s website and improve the efficient release of information.
To access Council's information:
1. Search Council's website to see if the information is already published
Information available on Council's website
- Policies and Plans
- Business papers and minutes from council meetings
- Management Plan, Annual Report and Financial Statements
- Information Guide
- Information about development applications
- Registers
- Reports
- Details of unpublished open access information and council's disclosure log
- Returns of the interests of councillors, designated persons and delegates.
2. Contact Council and ask for the information
If the information you want is not on Council's website, contact Council and Council 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; or
- Requires a formal access application.
You can contact Council be completing a web request form or telephoning (02) 4974 2000.
Fees
If you request a copy of information held by Council, Council may charge a fee to cover photocopying or if Council has an authority to charge a fee. Please refer to Council's fees and charges for more information.
Office of the Information Commissioner
The Office of the Information Commissioner has material to help the public understand the GIPAA and ways to access information held by Council. This information is available on the Office of the Information Commissioner's website.
Contact us
City Administration Centre
282 King Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
Tel: 02 4974 2000