Access to Council Information

Burwood Council is committed to the following principles regarding public access to documents and information:

• Open and transparent government
• Consideration of the overriding public interest in relation to access requests
• Proactive disclosure and dissemination of information
• Respect for the privacy of individuals

 Council publishes specific open access information on our website, free of charge unless to do so would impose unreasonable additional costs to Council. Council will facilitate public access through this and other appropriate mediums. Also Council publishes for inspection documents listed under Schedule 5 of the Government Information (Public Access) Act held by it, unless there is an overriding public interest not to do so. Council will keep a record of all open access information that is not published because of an overriding public interest against disclosure.

Council also makes as much other information as possible publicly available in an appropriate manner, including on the internet. Such information is also available free of charge or at the lowest reasonable cost.

The ‘Access to Information Guidelines’ document associated with this policy identifies the documents and types of information that are available for public access and any restrictions that may apply.

Some documents may require a Formal Access Application in accordance with the Government Information (Public Access) Act. Council will assess all requests for access to documents and information in a timely manner and in accordance with the ‘Access to Information Guidelines’ and relevant legislation.

Depending upon the nature of the request and the form of access requested charges may be applied in accordance with Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges and relevant legislation.

What are the costs involved for applying for Access to Information?

There are two types of applications, open access and formal applications:

* subject to 50% reduction for financial hardship (pensioner)

 Need further information? 

Access to Information Frequently Asked Questions

Access to Information held by Burwood Council Policy

Access to Information Guidelines

Informal Application

If you would like to view a document which cannot be provided electronically, please contact Council's Governance Section on 9911 9911 to arrange access.