Right to Information

What is the Right to Information?

The Right to Information Act 2009 is the Queensland Government's approach to giving the community greater access to information held by public sector agencies, including local councils. The Act is supported by the Information Privacy Act 2009, which governs how personal information is collected, managed and protected.

Together, these Acts promote: 

  • Greater transparency and accountability across government
  • A proactive approach to making information available
  • Appropriate protection of individual’s privacy through the Queensland Privacy Principles (QPPs)

Under these laws, you have the right to:

  • Access non-personal information
  • Access your own personal information held by Council
  • Request correction of personal information if its inaccurate, out of date, incomplete or misleading

The Queensland Government has made a commitment to provide access to information held by the Government and local councils, unless on balance it is contrary to the public interest to provide that information.

Legislative Framework

The following legislation supports access to government held information:

These Acts replace the Freedom of Information Act 1992 and have been updated to reflect current privacy standards and digital information practices.  

Administrative Access

Council may provide some information informally, without requiring a formal application.  This is known as administrative access and is used where the information is:

  • General and non-sensitive in nature
  • Your own personal information

Where a request involves personal or commercial information relating to others, or information that is sensitive or confidential, a formal application under the Right to Information Act may be required. 

Formal RTI Applications

From 1 July 2025, all access applications (including for personal information) are processed under the Right to Information Act 2009. 

Visit our Lodge a Request / Accessing Information page for details about how to submit a formal application, processing timeframes and eligibility requirements.  

Accessibility

Most documents provided through Council’s website are in PDF format.  If you are unable to view a document due to accessibility issues, please contact Council.  We will make every reasonable effort to provide the information in an alternative format.  

Feedback

Your feedback is important to us. You can access Council's feedback form here.

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