PRIVACY POLICY AND COLLECTION STATEMENT
We are committed to respecting and protecting your privacy.
This Privacy Policy sets out how we protect your privacy and manage your personal information. It also tells you how you can access your personal information and how you may make a complaint if you think that we have breached our privacy obligations.
We reserve the right to modify or amend this policy at any time and for any reason. Any material changes to this policy will be posted prior to their implementation.
What we do
Mount Alexander Shire consists of the townships of Castlemaine, Maldon, Newstead, Taradale, Guildford, Fryerstown, Chewton, Harcourt and Vaughan. We are committed to sharing the history and beauty of the region with our visitors. To achieve this, the Mount Alexander Shire has partnered up with the online booking system, Bookeasy, to ensure visitors can book accommodation and activities easily through the online website and by calling/visiting the Castlemaine or Maldon Visitor Information Centres.
What is personal information?
In Victoria, the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) (Privacy Act) defines personal information as information or an opinion (including information or an opinion forming part of a database), that is recorded in any form and whether true or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion.
What information we collect
Council will only collect personal information that is necessary for its functions and activities. In some instances, council is required by law to collect personal information. Council will only collect sensitive information where you have consented or as permitted under the Act.
Non-personal information
Non personal information is automatically recorded by this site’s web server for statistical and system administration purposes only. This information is known as Cookies and includes:
• The date and time of your visit to the site
• The pages you accessed and the any files downloaded
• The address of the last site you visited
• Your operating system and browser you are using
• Your IP address, network location and internet provider
• Your connection speed
• The version of Flash you use and whether you support Java
• Your screen colour and resolution
• Language used
No personal information is collected through these cookies and you can delete or block cookies through your browser settings.
Personal Information
You provide personal information to us in a number of ways, such as when you subscribe to a mailing list, create an account, make a booking online, register your business as a tourism member (businesses only) or contact us with an enquiry.
The personal information we collect may include the following:
• name;
• address;
• email address; and
• phone number
If you use our website only to browse our services we will not collect or hold any of your personal information.
If you do not provide us with personal information
If you do not provide us with the personal information we reasonably request, we may be unable to provide you with the information, services or support that you are seeking.
How we use your personal information
We handle all personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act.
We will only use personal information submitted through our website for the purposes for which it was provided. For example, if you use our website we may use your personal information to:
• provide you with the information or services you have requested (i.e charge your booking to your credit card and deliver your booking confirmation electronically);
• answer your enquiries;
• respond to feedback or suggestions;
• resolve complaints; and
• conduct research, market research and analysis.
• Add you to our e-newsletter mailing list
Disclosure of your personal information
We take all necessary measures to prevent unauthorised access to or disclosure of your personal information. We will not sell your details to another company, nor will we add your details to a mailing list without your consent. We will not disclose any personal information included in your bookings to anyone except in the following circumstances:
• Suppliers
We will disclose your name, email address, address and telephone number to hotels, booking centres and other suppliers to facilitate and process your accommodation, tour, experience, extras and/or inclusions. The suppliers require this information for managing your booking and to contact you about your booking, if required.
• Legal obligations
We will not disclose your personal information to other agencies and authorities without your consent unless required or authorised by law.
How is your personal information stored and protected?
Council takes all necessary steps to ensure that personal information is stored safely and securely to ensure that personal information held by Council is protected from misuse, loss and unauthorised viewing and disclosure.
Personal information that has been provided to Council and is no longer required will be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the Public Records Act 1973 (Vic).
Links to other websites
Although we offer accommodation and other tourism services from reputable providers, we have not placed specific limitations on these providers from using or disclosing your personal information without your permission. Therefore, we recommend you read the privacy statement of any other websites you visit.
How can you contact us regarding privacy matters?
If you believe we have breached our privacy obligations or wish to discuss the collection of, and access to, your personal information you can contact the Principal Governance Officer Mount Alexander Shire’s Council on 03 5471 1700 or contact us via email [email protected]