Access to Information
Find out how to access AlburyCity information, documents and records, including information available publicly or through an information access application.
- Many requests can be made without a formal GIPA application.
- Development applications lodged since 2009 can be viewed through the Application Tracker.
- Archived records should be requested 2–3 business days before your visit.
- Formal GIPA applications attract a $30 application fee.
Find the information you need
Looking for development applications?
Development applications lodged since 2009, including applications currently being assessed, can be viewed through our Application Tracker.
For development applications lodged before 2009, submit an access to information request.
Request information
If the information you need isn't already publicly available, you can request access informally or make a formal application under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA). Most requests can be handled informally.
Informal access request
Many requests can be handled without making a formal GIPA application.
Use an informal request when information can be released through normal business processes and there isn't an overriding public interest against disclosure. For example, you may be entitled to information about yourself, but not information about another person.
Information commonly requested
Property and planning
- neighbouring property owner details
- building-related certificates
- architectural plans
- development application records
- infrastructure maintenance records
Council information
- immunisation records
- registers
- plans of management
- political donation declarations
- pecuniary interest information
- local history material
- photographs
Informal request fees
| Request | Fee |
|---|---|
| Full property history/multiple development application files lodged before 1 July 2010 | $500 |
| Single development application file lodged before 1 July 2010 | $250 |
| Property Information Requests - post 1 July 2010 | No fee in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation 2018 |
Additional charges may apply for copying documents.
Archived historical records
Some historical records are stored off-site.
If you would like to inspect archived records at our Customer Service Centre, submit an informal access request 2–3 business days before your visit. This gives our Governance Team time to locate the records and have them available for you.
Copyright-protected information
Some documents may be protected by the Copyright Act 1968. We may not be able to provide copies without permission from the copyright owner.
Before you submit an informal request
- Informal requests do not have a statutory processing timeframe under the GIPA Act.
- Formal applications are prioritised because legislative timeframes apply.
- Council may place reasonable conditions on the release of information.
- Access may be restricted where there is an overriding public interest against disclosure
Formal GIPA application
If information cannot be released informally, you may need to make a formal application under the GIPA Act.
When you'll need one
A formal application may be required where:
- information relates to another person or organisation
- confidential information is involved
- commercial-in-confidence considerations apply
- the request relates to current or proposed legal action
- significant assessment, consultation or resources are required to process the request
Additional processing charges may apply depending on the amount of information requested and the time required to process the application.
Published information
Before lodging an application, check whether the information you need is already publicly available. Council publishes a range of information under the GIPA Act without requiring an access application.
Information Guide
Our Information Guide explains:
- the types of information we collect and hold
- how Council information is managed
- how members of the public can access information.
Open access information
The GIPA Act requires certain Council information to be made publicly available unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.
Our Information Guide identifies the information available, where it can be accessed and, where applicable, information that has not been published because there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.
Disclosure logs
Our disclosure log records information released through formal GIPA applications where Council considers the information may also be of interest to other members of the public.
Proactive release
We proactively publish information wherever possible to promote transparency and reduce the need for formal information access requests.
Our proactive release strategy includes:
- publishing information about matters of community interest
- reviewing information commonly requested by the public
- maintaining disclosure logs
- considering community and staff feedback
- publishing strategies, plans, policies, procedures, reports and statistical information where appropriate
We review opportunities to proactively release information at least every 12 months, as required under the GIPA Act.
Find out more about your right to information
For information about your rights under the GIPA Act, visit the NSW Information and Privacy Commission.
Annual pecuniary interest returns
Annual pecuniary interest returns for Councillors, designated staff and Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee members are published in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation.
Personal information is redacted where there is an overriding public interest against disclosure, including residential addresses and signatures.
AlburyCity Councillors
Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee members
Full, unredacted versions of pecuniary interest returns are available for inspection on request.
Need help?
If you're unsure which type of information request to make, contact our Customer Experience Team