Dear City of Sydney,

I am writing to make an application under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW).

I understand that complaints have recently been made to Council in relation to vehicles parked in Womerah Lane, Darlinghurst. I would like to request access to the following information:

1. Copies of the complaints (including the substance of the concerns raised), with any personal details of the complainants redacted if necessary.

2. Any Council file notes, correspondence, or records of action taken in response to these complaints.

The reason for my request is that fines issued in this laneway situation are unfair and impractical. The lane is the only means by which residents and tradespeople can access our properties, and it is simply not possible to avoid parking there. By acting on complaints without considering this reality, Council risks applying enforcement in a way that is unreasonable and out of step with the practical needs of the community.

Furthermore, penalising tradespeople for parking in the lane makes it extremely difficult for residents to secure affordable services. Many trades are now simply refusing to take on work as they risk receiving fines, which in turn makes it impossible for us to properly maintain our properties. This is ia serious and ongoing issue for the neighbourhood and one that enforcement alone cannot and should not be used to resolve.

My intention in seeking this information is to understand the nature of the complaints and how Council has responded, so that residents and council can open a constructive conversation about more balanced and sensible ways to resolve this issue locally, rather than through repeated complaints and enforcement action.

If full access cannot be provided due to privacy considerations, I would appreciate the release of the information in summary or de-identified form.

Please let me know if any application fee is payable or if you require further clarification of the scope of this request.

Yours faithfully,
Bronwyn Muir
35 Womerah Lane, Darlinghurst