This guide shares who we are and what we do. It covers how we make information available and how to access it under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (The GIPA Act).
Council recognises our information is a public resource. We promote openness, accountability, and public participation. We provide information whenever we can and keep costs as low as possible.
This Agency Information Guide (AIG) is published in accordance with Section 20 of the GIPA Act, and was last updated 27 March 2026.
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Structure and management of Council
Georges River Council is responsible for the governance, planning and delivery of services across our communities. Council’s decision-making body consists of the Mayor and Councillors. They offer leadership, establish strategic direction, and represent the community. The General Manager and the Executive Leadership Team implement the Council's decisions and run daily operations.
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Council functions (what we do)
Georges River Council’s functions under the Local Government Act 1993 are summarised here in four categories. The links below provide the most current and commonly enquired information.
Services
Council provides a broad range of services, activities, and facilities including:
Regulatory & Enforcement
Approvals, inspections and certifications that protect community health, safety and amenity, alongside prosecutions for breaches of relevant legislation.
Revenue
Council generates revenue through rates, charges, and investments that support the delivery of services and infrastructure.
Administration
Corporate planning, reporting and organisational management.
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How our functions affect the public
Council’s work affects the community through the services we provide, the projects we deliver, and the decisions we make. The most up‑to‑date information about what we are doing and how we are performing is available in the live documents below.
Our functions affect the public through:
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Services and projects — such as parks, libraries, waste services, community programs and major works.
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Rules and approvals — including planning decisions, regulations and other responsibilities that help manage development and local activities.
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Public participation
The public can take part in Council decisions in several ways. They can contact Councillors, attend meetings, make submissions, and join engagement projects.
1) Representation
Residents can contact Councillors to raise issues or request meetings with the Mayor.
2) Personal participation, engagement & consultation
Community members can attend Council and Committee meetings. They can speak at the public forum, follow agendas, and review minutes. Additionally, they can participate in exhibitions and make submissions. Council engages with the community to shape policies and projects. You can find opportunities to share your thoughts on Your Say.
For more information, see Council’s Community Engagement Policy and Strategy at the Codes, Policies and Registers page.
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Methods of communication
We keep our community informed and engaged through various channels. These include our website, media releases, social media, e-newsletters, and rates notices. We also use flyers, notifications, surveys (both online and in person), and community seminars and forums. For service requests and up‑to‑date contact options, use:
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Access to information (GIPA)
We make information available in several ways to help the community find what they need. Council aims to make information available as early, informally and at the lowest reasonable cost. You can find many documents for free on the Council’s website. These include agendas, minutes, policies, codes, plans, strategies, development application information, and registers.
If information is not publicly available, it is typically provided through an informal request. Formal GIPA applications are used only when appropriate.
Informal access (free)
Suitable for information that can usually be released without a formal process.
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Policies and codes (if not already published).
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General property enquiries (non‑sensitive).
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Historical service enquiries (for example: waste).
Submit an informal request
More information can be found here: Access to Information.
Formal access ($30 application)
Required when information is sensitive, requires consultation, or is not suitable for informal release.
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Documents involving personal information.
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Large or complex document sets.
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Matters requiring third‑party consultation.
Submit a formal GIPA application
Applications may be subject to a further $30 per hour processing fee based on their size or complexity.
Contact
For the latest contact details and opening hours, please refer to our live Contact Us page.
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