Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
Introduction
Gibson Desert Area Council is committed to protecting your privacy and complying with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information.
What Personal Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of personal information:
- Name, address, and contact details (phone, email)
- Date of birth and identification documents
- Financial information (for rates and payments)
- Property ownership and tenancy information
- Information provided in applications, forms, and submissions
- CCTV footage from council facilities and public areas
- Website usage data and cookies
- Information required for service delivery
How We Collect Personal Information
We collect personal information through:
- Online forms and applications submitted through our website
- Phone calls, emails, and written correspondence
- Face-to-face interactions at our offices
- Public consultations and community meetings
- Council meetings and public forums
- CCTV surveillance systems
- Third parties (with your consent or as authorized by law)
- Publicly available sources
Why We Collect Personal Information
We collect and use your personal information for the following purposes:
- Delivering council services and facilities
- Processing rates, payments, and financial transactions
- Assessing applications for permits, licenses, and approvals
- Responding to inquiries and complaints
- Conducting community consultations and engagement
- Managing council property and assets
- Enforcing local laws and regulations
- Planning and policy development
- Statistical analysis and research
- Meeting legal and regulatory obligations
How We Store and Protect Your Information
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. Security measures include:
- Secure IT systems with encryption and firewalls
- Restricted access to personal information
- Staff training on privacy and data security
- Secure storage facilities for physical records
- Regular security audits and updates
- Confidentiality agreements with staff and contractors
Who We Share Your Information With
We may disclose your personal information to:
- Other government agencies as required by law
- Service providers and contractors working on behalf of Council
- Legal and financial advisors
- Law enforcement agencies when required
- Emergency services in urgent situations
- Organizations you have authorized us to share information with
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.
Access and Correction
You have the right to:
- Request access to your personal information held by Council
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
To make a request, contact our Privacy Officer at privacy@astc.nt.gov.au or (08) 8950 0500.
Cookies and Website Analytics
Our website uses cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but this may affect website functionality.
We use Google Analytics to collect anonymous usage data to help improve our website. This data does not identify individual users.
CCTV Surveillance
Council operates CCTV cameras in public areas and facilities for safety and security purposes. Signage is displayed in areas under surveillance. CCTV footage is stored securely and accessed only when necessary for security, investigation, or legal purposes.
Complaints and Concerns
If you have concerns about how we handle your personal information, please contact:
Privacy Officer
Gibson Desert Area Council
Civic Centre, Main St, Gibson Desert WA 0000
Email: privacy@astc.nt.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8950 0500
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC):
Website: www.oaic.gov.au
Phone: 1300 363 992
Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The current version will always be available on our website with the effective date clearly displayed.
Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information:
Gibson Desert Area Council
Civic Centre, Main St, Gibson Desert WA 0000
Phone: (08) 8950 0500
Email: contact@gibsondesertareacouncil.com