Access Council Information (GIPA)

The NSW Government legislation, the Government Information (Public Access) Act (GIPA) requires Councils to have “Open Access Information” available on their websites.

This is so the public can easily access Council documents and information 24 hours a day.

This information includes:

  • documents created by Council and
  • information supplied to Council by external organisations or individuals

Release of information continues to be subject to compliance with the:

Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIPA)

See also Council's Privacy Management Plan.


The GIPA Act provides for Council information to be released in four (4) ways:

Open Access

1. Mandatory Proactive Release (Open Access)

This information is available on Council’s website free of charge.

Examples include::

  • meeting agendas and minutes
  • register of contracts
  • annual reports
  • policy documents 

Open Access Information

Information currently available to the public free of charge by way of open access (other than photocopying):
 
The Hills Shire Council Information Guide(PDF, 567KB)

Register of Government Contracts(PDF, 408KB)

Tender & Quotation Submissions Listing

Register of Planning Decisions from Council Meetings(PDF, 1MB)

Disclosure Log of Applications 1 July 2021 - 30 June 2022(PDF, 79KB)

Disclosure Log of Applications 1 July 2022 - 30 July 2023(PDF, 90KB)

Disclosure Log of Applications 1 July 2023 - 30 June 2024(PDF, 108KB)

Pecuniary Interest Returns of Designated Officers

 

Record of Open Access information NOT made publicly available on the basis of an overriding public interest against disclosure

When open access information is not released by The Hills Shire Council due to an overriding interest against disclosure, a log will be published. No access applications have been refused to date.
 
Code of Conduct 2021 - 2024(PDF, 472KB)

Annual Community, Financial and Auditor's Reports

The Hills Shire Council EEO Policy Statement
 
Model Code of Meeting Practice (adopted 10 May 2022)(PDF, 378KB)
 
Delegations Register(PDF, 602KB)
 
Council Agendas and Minutes

 

Reports to Council of any investigation made under Section 433 of the Local Government Act:  No investigations to report.

Development Applications and associated documents: Applications prior to 1 September, 2004 are not on Council’s website. For access to DA files prior to that date please complete this form. 

Bella Vista Farm Park - Generic Plan of Management(PDF, 16MB)

Adjoining Owner Details Online Application Form

House Number Alteration Form(PDF, 541KB)

Proactive

2. Proactive Release

All Councils are encouraged to make as much information of public interest available free of charge or at minimal cost.

Examples include:

  • frequently requested information or
  • information of public interest

Informal

3. Informal Release

In response to an informal request, other information held is authorised to be released.

The informal request is subject to any reasonable conditions Council may wish to impose.

Examples include requests for your personal information but NOT another person's information.

Apply for Informal Access to Government Information

Formal

4. Formal Release

A formal access application is needed for the release of all other information not made available by either:

  • mandatory
  • proactive
  • informal release

For example:

  • personal information relating to a third party where consultation is required or
  • where information is of a confidential nature

Written application forms are required for formal applications.

Standard timeframes, fees and charges are applicable for such applications..

Apply for Formal Access to Government Information

Internal Review Application

Complete one of the below forms to apply for an internal review of a formal decision made under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW).

If your application is within 20 working days after the notice of decision was given to you, click here to fill out the Internal Review Application - Government Information (Public Access) Act 2004 form.

If your application is outside of the 20 working days after the notice of decision was given to you, click here to fill out the Internal Review (Out of Time) Application - Government Information (Public Access) Act 2004 form.

If you need help to complete either of these forms, please contact Council's Governance Officer on (02) 9843 0359. 

For enquiries relating to your application or access to information generally, please contact Mary Pereira on +61 29843 0359.

Our Commitment

The Hills Shire Council continues to be committed to open and transparent government.

 

Access to information collected and held by Council will be made available in accordance with the provisions of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009.

 

The Act creates an enforceable right to information unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.

Related Information

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