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Access to Information FAQ

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How do I get access to Council's documents and files?

Click here to view Open Access Information Register. If you can’t find the document that you are looking for, fill out an Informal Access to Information Request.  Write a description of the documents next to the words, ‘Other documents’. If you have questions about the form, send an e-mail to Council.

Fax the form to Council’s Document Management Unit on (02) 9265 9222, deliver the form to one of Council’s Service Centres or e-mail to Council.

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How can I see the contents of a file?

  • If the file is over 7 years old, you should contact the City of Sydney Archives by phoning 02 9265 9618 or by sending an email to Archives.
  • If the file is less than 7 years old, the file may be accessible by completing an Informal Access to Information Request.
  • Files will only be made available for viewing at the Council Offices, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney.

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How can I access the objections or support letters on a Development Application?

Complete an Informal Access to Information Application and write ‘submissions’ next to the words ‘Other documents’ and submit it to Council. Your request will be assessed and the documents may be made available.

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How long will it take to obtain documents or access files?

Informal access requests will be processed as soon as practicable, depending on the volume of requests we receive. Generally we can respond within 10 working days. Formal applications are dealt with according to the timeframes specified in the GIPA Act, normally within 20 working days but with an extension period if necessary.

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What fees will I have to pay?

In accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009, there are no fees for accessing Council files and documents. However, photocopying fees may apply ($1.10 per A4 page). There are charges for copies of plans with varying costs, according to size. Fees will be charged on completion of the application.

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How do I view or obtain a copy of building plans?

  • If the building was built over 7 years ago, the plans are usually located with the City of Sydney Archives and may be obtained by phoning 9265 9618 or by sending an e-mail to Archives
  • If the building was built in the last 7 years, you should complete an Informal Access to Information Request.
  • Plans will only be made available for viewing at the Council Offices, Town Hall House, 456 Kent Street, Sydney.

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How can I obtain a property owner's name and address?

Council will release owner's details, if the owner is a business or corporation but does not release individual’s details due to privacy constraints. If the owner is an individual, you should apply for ownership information at the Land Titles Office.

What Council registers may I view?

In the case of any register that contains personal or health information Council reserves the right to satisfy itself that access by any person is for a purpose consistent with the purpose for which the register was created.

How do I make a formal application for information?

Any person can make a formal application for access to information held by a government agency. This should be the last resort, after the informal avenues have been tried.

You will need to complete a Formal Access Application form and pay a $30.00 application fee.  You will be notified of the decision on your application within 20 working days, unless you agree to extend the time.  We may also extend the time by 10 to 15 days where consultation with a third party is required or if we need to retrieve records from archives.

What are my review rights?

If you have been refused access to information you can appeal against the decision by completing a Request for Internal Review Application and paying a $40.00 review fee. 

If you are not satisfied with the internal review decision you may appeal to either the Office of the Information Commissioner (OIC) or the Administrative Decisions Tribunal

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For More Information

If you have any further questions, please notify us by
e-mail to Council.

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Last Updated: Monday 12 March, 2012

Please Note:
While care is taken to ensure accuracy, the City of Sydney cannot guarantee that information expressed here is correct and recommends that users exercise their own skill and care with respect to its use. The City of Sydney makes no warranty or undertaking, whether expressed or implied, nor does it assume any legal liability, whether direct or indirect.