Council has been left red-faced after a privacy breach revealed the personal email addresses of more than 1,000 local residents and organisations.
The 1,056 had all played a role in consultations during the formation of council’s open space policy, which includes the controversial recommendations to close seven of the area’s swimming pools.
Their addresses were inadvertently attached to an email sent on December 5 to the 166 people/groups who have already made a submission about the draft policy.
The email was to notify them that council had decided to extend the consultation period until January 15.
Council has now personally written to each affected person and organisation, saying it had “identified a potential breach of your privacy”.
“The release occurred on 5 December when council sent an email to individuals and organisations participating in the public consultation on the draft open spaces and recreation strategic plan.
“The email advised participants that the public exhibition period for the draft plan has been extended. A spreadsheet containing the email addresses of consultation participants was attached to the email in error. The spreadsheet included your email address.”
A council spokeswoman said it had apologised to those concerned and advised them how to make a complaint. It has also advised the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
Submissions on the open space policy can be made until January 15 on council’s have your say website page.