- Last updated:
- 06 Feb 2020
Accessing information from council
Council is committed to being open and transparent.
Council provides information to the public in a number of ways including via our websites or through property searches. Council officers can also provide information on request, subject to legal and policy requirements (e.g. privacy).
Here are some of the different ways that you can access information from council:
- MyCouncil allows registered users to view their information and request various services
- MyMaps lets you view interactive mapping and add layers with relevant data
- Development.i provides information on development applications
- Get a free Development.i Site Report for a property
- Searches including property searches for property and building related information
- Follow council on Facebook, Twitter and other social media channels or via our News Centre
- Find out about open consultation opportunities and view our have your say page
- Access council's minutes, agendas and other meeting documentation
- Sunshine Coast Open Data Portal makes various council data available in digital formats for reuse
- Council’s disclosure log has information that was released by formal decision
- Our publication scheme sets out a range of information council makes available
- Contact council if you have a query about accessing particular information.
You also have the right to make a formal application for access to documents under the Right to Information Act 2009 or Information Privacy Act 2009. However, applications are intended to be a last resort. You can find out how to make a formal application below.
Making a formal application for access to documents
If you are unable to obtain information via other means (e.g. by requesting it informally or a by a property search), you may wish to make a formal application for access to documents.
Application fee
The application fee from 1 July 2019 is $50.80 if you are applying for one or more documents that do not contain your personal information.
Processing charges
After an application is received, processing charges may also be payable at a rate of $7.85 per 15 minutes. However, before any further amount is payable you will be given an estimate and can then decide if you wish to continue.
Third party consultation
If disclosure of information would reasonably be expected to be of concern to a third party (e.g. another person involved in a complaint or dispute), then council may only give access to such information if it has taken steps to obtain the views of the relevant third party.
Processing timeframes
Once an application is received and is valid, council must provide a decision within 25 business days. This timeframe can be extended in some circumstances (for example where council needs to consult with a third party, or council requests additional time to consider the application).
Application form
Before making a formal application, it is recommended that you firstly contact council to discuss your application and whether information may be available via other means.
If you would like to make a formal application for access to documents, please complete the Right to Information and Information Privacy Access Application Form[200KB]. Read the form carefully to determine whether you also need to pay the application fee or provide evidence of your identity.
Payment options
Payment options include:
- credit card payment via phone
- cheque or money order via post
- pay in-person at a council service centre by credit card, debit card, cash or cheque
Contact council directly to make credit card payment via phone. You may also submit your application without payment and we can contact you to discuss payment.
Due to security requirements, please do not send any credit card details via email.
Submitting the application to council
Completed applications can be lodged in person at a service centre, or posted to:
Right to Information
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Locked Bag 72
SCMC QLD 4560
Contact details and more information
• email rti@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
• contact council
• or visit the Queensland Government's Right to Information website