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Council is required to provide appropriate access to information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA) which commenced on 1 July 2010.  This new Act replaces the Freedom of Information Act and Section12 of the Local Government Act 1993 (LGA).

What Council documents are available for you to inspect?

The GIPA Act specifically identifies the types of Council documents to be made available for inspection free of charge at Council offices during ordinary office hours.

Many of these documents can be found by clicking here.

Disclosure Log

The Council disclosure log is a record containing details of government information released in response to Formal Information Applications under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).

Council is required to maintain the disclosure log in accordance with Division 4 of the GIPA Act.

The disclosure log will indicate how you can obtain copies of the information previously released.

Contracts Register

The Council Contract Register contains details of all class 1 contracts entered into that have a total value greater than $150,000.  Bathurst Regional Council is required to maintain the contract register in accordance with Division 5 (Section 27) of the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act).

To view applicable contracts use the link below then click on VIEW BUSINESS PAPERS to view

Applicable Contracts Link GIPA 

Documents that are not available are:

• The plans for any residential part of a proposed building, other than plans that merely show its height and its external configuration in relation to the site on which it is proposed to be erected.
• Commercial information, if the information would be likely to prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it or to reveal a trade secret.

Do I need to apply?

If the document or information you wish to access is not Open Access, you will need to make an application.

How Do I apply?

Complete an application form and pay the statutory Formal Access Application fee of $30.

By post - Private Bag 17, Bathurst 2795

Attach a cheque for the application fee.  Application to access personal information also requires a certified copy of an identification document.

In person - 158 Russell Street, Bathurst.  Payment can be made by cheque, cash or credit card.  Applications to access personal information also require an original identification document. 

Wish to know more about access to information?

Council has produced a Publication Guide (available in the Public Documents section of this website) which outlines the functions of Council, the kinds of information held by Council and what information is publicly available.  Council has also developed a Public Access to Information Policy.  The objective of this policy is to describe Council's principles regarding public and councillor access to information and to facilitate the processing of requests for such access under the GIPA Act 2009.

For further enquiries on what information is available or how to access certain information, please contact Council's Corporate Services Section on 6333 6209 Monday to Friday from 8.30 am – 4.45 pm.  Alternatively visit the Information and Privacy Commission website www.ipc.nsw.gov.au.

Council has appointed specific Officers to fulfil statutory roles and to receive enquiries or requests on particular matters.

The roles of the office contacts are as follows:

Public Officer – Aaron Jones 6333 6257

Receives requests from public on affairs of Council, assist with enquiries or requests for access to information.

Privacy Contact Officer – Nicholas Murphy 6333 6209

Manages and upholds Council's obligations under Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998.

Protected Disclosure Coordinator – Nicholas Murphy 6333 6209

Manages and coordinates disclosures under the Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994.

Right to Information Officer – Nicholas Murphy 6333 6209

To assist with enquiries or requests for access to information and to receive and coordinate formal requests for information under the GIPA Act.