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s.12 of the NSW Local Government (LG) Act 1993
Overview
There is a general right of access under s.12 of the Local Government Act 1993 to documents held by Council subject to certain restrictions outlined in s.12(A) of the Act. Where practicable Council will deal with requests to inspect documents in accordance with the Act free of charge but a reasonable photocopying fee may be payable if you require to take a copy of the document. All photocopying charges are detailed in Council's Revenue Policy (PDF - 776 KB) available online or at Council's Customer Service counter.
The main purpose of s.12 of the NSW Local Government (LG) Act 1993 is to provide the public with access to as much documentation and information held by local government agencies as is possible depending on the circumstances of each application. This section of the LG Act helps to ensure that NSW Government agencies operate in an open, transparent and accountable manner.
Copies of documents are provided for information purposes only and are provided by Council to meet its requirements under relevant legislation. Copyright laws still apply to each document. The copyright-owner's consent is required if any part of the document is to be used for any other purpose.
What sort of Information can I seek?
A list of what records are publically available is prescribed in s. 12 of the NSW Local Government Act 1993. Council publishes a document called Summary of Affairs - June 2008 (PDF - 35 KB) which lists the records that are available to inspect free of charge. If you cannot find the record you wish to inspect on the list please see Access to Maitland City Council Information Guidelines (Word - 190 KB) or contact Council's Public Officer using the contact details below.
Applying for Information
Council requires an Access to Information Application Form - s.12 LGA 1993 (Word - 71 KB) to be completed before access can be granted in certain circumstances depending on the record you are requesting access to.
Every day Council responds to requests for general information from the public. You should always request the information in the first instance, and a Council officer will advise you if an Access to Information application form is required. Documents can be hard copy records, computer generated, maps, photographs, tape recordings and video recordings.
The application form is available online or from Council's Customer Service counter. In your application, please provide as much information as possible about the documents you wish to access. If you are unsure, Council's Public Officer will assist you to identify the documents.
What Fees are Payable?
Where practicable Council will deal with requests to inspect documents in accordance with the Act free of charge but a reasonable photocopying fee may be payable if you require a copy of the document. All photocopying charges are detailed in Council's Revenue Policy (PDF - 776 KB) available online or at Council's Customer Service counter.
Copies of documents are provided for information purposes only and are provided by Council to meet its requirements under relevant legislation. Copyright laws still apply to each document in accordance with the Commonwealth Copyright Act 1968. The copyright-owner's consent is required if any part of the document is to be used for any other purpose.
Processing of Access to Information Applications
Your application will be processed as quickly as possible by Council's Public Officer. You will be notified in writing once your application has been assessed.
How Long will my application take?
You will be advised in writing within seven (7) days whether you will be able to access the requested records.
Contact Details:
Maitland City Council
Contact Person: Council's Public Officer Mr Graeme Tolhurst
Visit: 285 - 287 High Street Maitland
Phone: (02) 49349700
Mail: PO Box 220 Maitland NSW 2320
Email: mcc@maitland.nsw.gov.au
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