Privacy Statement
The Shire of Waroona (the Shire) is committed to:
- protecting your privacy
- handling your personal information responsibly and with integrity and care
- remaining transparent about how information is collected, used, stored and disclosed
- supporting responsible and secure information sharing practices, and
- continuously improving privacy and information management practices.
Personal information is collected, used, and stored in accordance with the:
- Privacy and Responsible Information Sharing Act 2024 (WA) (PRIS Act)
- Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
- Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA)
- State Records Act 2000 (WA)
- Local Government Act 1995 (WA)
- Children and Community Services Act 2004 (WA),
Why we collect your information
The Shire collects, holds, uses and discloses personal information to:
- provide services, facilities, programs and initiatives;
- respond to enquiries, requests and applications;
- carry out the Shire's functions and responsibilities as a local government;
- administer and enforce relevant laws, local laws and regulatory requirements;
- manage community engagement and customer interactions; and
- fulfil legal obligations and exercise statutory powers.
What information we collect
The personal information collected will depend on the nature of your interaction with the Shire and may include:
- your name, address and contact details;
- date of birth and identification information (such as licence or concession cards);
- payment and financial information;
- photographs, CCTV images, recordings or other visual or audio information;
- information contained in correspondence, applications, requests or submissions; and
- any other information reasonably required for the relevant purpose.
In some circumstances, the Shire may collect sensitive personal information where authorised by law or where reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose. This may include health information or other sensitive personal information you choose to provide.
The Shire may also collect de-identified, aggregated or statistical information relating to the use of its websites, systems and online services.
Use and Disclosure of information
Only information that is reasonably necessary for official functions is collect. Individuals will be informed when providing information is optional.
In limited instances, the Shire may disclose personal information to contractors, service providers, government agencies, and other organisations where necessary to carry out the purposes described above, or where authorised or required by law.
The personal information collected by the Shire will be used only for the purpose for which it has been collected, or for a purpose you would reasonably expect as part of running the Shire’s services, activities and other functions.
Information may also be shared in accordance with the information sharing provisions of the PRIS Act and other applicable legislation.
The Shire does not ordinarily disclose personal information outside Australia. Where disclosures of personal information to third parties or outside Australia is necessary, the Shire will take reasonable steps to ensure the information is handled in a manner consistent with applicable privacy obligations, the Shire 's privacy governance framework and in accordance with the PRIS Act.
Online Services and Website Analytics
When the Shire’s website or digital platforms are accessed, non-identifying data such as IP addresses, browser types, and page visits may be collected. This helps maintain system security and improve the user experience.
Cookies and third-party tools, including Google Analytics, may be used to gather this data. Cookies can be disabled through browser settings, although doing so may affect website functionality.
The Shire also offers features where individuals may choose to voluntarily provide personal information such as subscribing to newsletters, completing surveys, or registering for updates. In
some cases, these services may be delivered through third-party providers (e.g. SurveyMonkey). Personal information collected through these tools is only used for the purpose stated at the time of collection (e.g. community consultation, demographic analysis) and is not used to identify individuals unless clearly stated and consented to.
Occasionally, the Shire may promote surveys or initiatives conducted by external agencies (such as state government bodies). In such cases, the Shire does not collect or manage the data, nor control how it is used. Summarised or publicly available results may be shared with the Shire for informational purposes only.
External links may appear on the Shire’s website. These are not managed by the Shire and may have separate privacy practices. Users are encouraged to review those policies before engaging with external sites.
Social Media
Social media platforms are used to share information and engage with the community. When individuals interact with these platforms, personal information may be collected and stored under the platform’s own terms. Limited information may also be collected by the Shire to support communication and service improvement. However, it is recommended that sensitive information is not shared via public channels.
Providing your personal information
Providing personal information is generally voluntary unless required by law. Where possible, individuals may choose to interact anonymously or with a pseudonym. However, if you choose not to provide requested information, the Shire may be unable to process your request, provide a service, or otherwise deal with you effectively.
Storage, access and correction of your personal information
The Shire takes reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.
Personal information is retained and disposed of in accordance with applicable recordkeeping requirements, including the State Records Act 2000 (WA) and the PRIS Act.
Individuals have the right under the Freedom of Information Act 1992 (WA) and the PRIS Act to request access to, correct and/or amend their personal information held by the Shire and to make a complaint about the Shire 's handling of your personal information.
Complaints and Breaches
Concerns about privacy breaches or the handling of personal information can be directed to the Shire. All complaints are taken seriously and investigated in line with relevant legislation and policy.
In the event of a serious data breach, affected individuals will be notified promptly, and steps will be taken to minimise any further risk. If the outcome of a complaint is unsatisfactory, individuals may contact the Information Commissioner of Western Australia.
Further information and contact details
For further information about how the Shire manages personal information, please refer to the Shire 's Information Access Framework (Information Statement), or contact the Shire’s Privacy Officer:
Email: warshire@waroona.wa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 9733 7800
Post: PO Box 20, Waroona WA 6215