Access to council documents
Making an Application
Under the Right to Information Act 2009 any person has the right of access to most documents held by council. Documents held by council include paper files, microfiche, print-outs, computer records, files, visual material, and audio recordings.
Applications must be made by completing the attached application form. All applications must provide sufficient information to enable the identification of the documents requested as well as certified identification of the applicant, e.g. driver's licence, birth certificate etc. within 10 business days of lodging the application. Council's RTI Officer will determine if the information or document requested is available under the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2009.
Applications relating to 'personal information' do not require an application fee.
You will be given notices outlining:
- That you are required to pay a charge
- What the estimated charge may be
- What the basis is for calculating the estimate
- That you can consult with the agency to amend the application in order to reduce the charge
- That you must agree in writing to pay the application charge, withdraw or request waiver of charges on the grounds of financial hardship.
Council has 25 business days in which to provide applicants with a decision regarding access for information. There are some factors that can alter this limit as per s.69 of the Act.
2012 RTI Application Form.pdf
Information Privacy Personal Information Amendment form
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Third Party Consultation
If the documents requested contain information which may reasonably be expected to be of concern to a government, agency or relevant third party then the documents may not be released until consultation with the third party occurs. Should consultation be required, a further 10 business days is added onto the timeframe to allow for this.
Lodgement and Payment
PLEASE NOTE: A payment processing fee applies to credit card payments. The rate is 0.5% of the payment amount for Visa and MasterCard. Exemptions may apply. AMEX and Diners Club are no longer accepted.
Applications can be submitted in the following forms:
By post addressed to:
Chief Executive Officer
Townsville City Council
PO Box 1268
TOWNSVILLE QLD 4810
In person at the following Customer Service Centres:
86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa Central
103 Walker Street, Townsville City
Centre opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Payment can be made in the following forms:
- Cheque - crossed, marked 'not negotiable' and payable to Townsville City Council
- Eftpos and Credit Card payment
- Cash (do not send through mail)
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Information Privacy Amendments
A person may apply to council for an amendment of information relating to their personal information that they claim is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading.
An application for an amendment of information must be done with the application form for Information privacy amendment and identify what information they claim is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading. The application should also state the amendments necessary for the information to be accurate.
Appeal Rights
If you are unhappy with a decision on your application, you have a right to ask for an internal review except where the decision is made by the Principal Officer of Townsville City Council.
If you are not satisfied with the internal review decision, you may appeal to the Information Commissioner for an external review.
Further Information
For further information on Right to Information, please visit www.rti.qld.gov.au and www.oic.qld.gov.au.
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