Metcalf and Maroochy Shire Council

Metcalf and Maroochy Shire Council
(210304, 19 December 2007)

Section 41(1) Matter relating to deliberative processes – disclosure found to be contrary to public interest

The Matter in Issue in this review concerned a report and PowerPoint presentation prepared in relation to a number of short-listed sites being considered for a proposed bioreactor landfill.  The applicant sought access to the Matter in Issue in order to verify that Council had properly considered each of the short-listed sites prior to choosing a site as its preferred option.

Assistant Commissioner Henry found that the Matter in Issue disclosed a consultation which occurred in the course of Council’s ongoing deliberative process in choosing a suitable site for the proposed bioreactor landfill and was therefore exempt from disclosure under section 41(1)(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (Qld) (FOI Act).