Right to Information and Privacy

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Council is committed to openness, accountability and the protection of personal information. This page explains how you can access information held by Council and how your personal information is managed in accordance with Queensland legislation.

Accessing Council Information

The Right to Information Act 2009 (Qld) gives the community a legally enforceable right to apply for access to information held by Council, unless the information is exempt or excluded under the Act. Council proactively releases information wherever possible. Many documents are already available on Council’s website or may be provided through administrative access by contacting Council.

If the information you are seeking is not publicly available, you may make a formal application under the Right to Information Act 2009 (Qld).

Administrative Access

Administrative access schemes are intended to give people access to information without the need to make a formal application, where appropriate.

Council may release information administratively unless:

  • legislation prevents its release; or
  • the information contains personal information about another individual; or
  • privacy, confidentiality, cultural sensitivity or public interest considerations apply.

If information cannot be released administratively, Council will advise you on how to apply under the relevant legislation. Learn more about the information that is available publicly here: Publication Scheme.

Making a Right to Information (RTI) Application

An RTI application must:

  • be made in writing;
  • state that it is an application under the Right to Information Act 2009;
  • provide enough detail to identify the documents requested; and
  • include the prescribed application fee (if applicable).

Council encourages applicants to contact Council before submitting an application, as this may be the quickest way to access the information requested. Applications may be submitted by email, post or in person.

Fees and Charges

An application fee applies to RTI access applications unless the application is for personal information.

Additional processing and access charges may apply depending on the nature and volume of the documents requested. Applicants will be notified of any applicable charges before processing continues. Fees are set by regulation and are updated periodically.

Decision Timeframes

Council will acknowledge a valid RTI application and aims to make a decision within the timeframes set under the Right to Information Act 2009 (Qld), subject to any permitted extensions.

Information Privacy

Council manages personal information in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld).  Personal information is information about an identifiable individual. Council collects, uses, stores and discloses personal information only where authorised by law and only for lawful purposes related to Council functions.

Your privacy rights

You have the right to:

  • request access to your personal information held by Council; and
  • request correction if you believe your personal information is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date.

These requests can often be handled without the need for a formal RTI application.

Storage and security

Council takes reasonable steps to protect personal information from loss, unauthorised access, use, modification or disclosure. Access is restricted to authorised staff only.

Employee Records

Current and former employees may request access to their own employee records. For information about how to request access to employee records, please contact Council.

Last reviewed: May 2026

 

 

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