Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

G'day! At Bush & Backyard ("we," "our," or "us"), we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website.

By using our website, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Submit questions through our contact forms
• Subscribe to our newsletter (if available)
• Interact with our social media pages
• Contact us directly via email

This information may include:

• Name
• Email address
• Questions or comments you submit
• Location information (if you choose to provide it)

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website or source
• Device information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Respond to your questions and provide gardening advice
• Improve our website content and user experience
• Send newsletters or updates (with your consent)
• Analyze website usage and performance
• Prevent fraud and ensure website security
• Comply with legal obligations
• Develop new content and features

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small data files stored on your device.

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site
• Preference Cookies: Remember your choices and settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Third-party companies that help us operate our website (hosting, analytics, email services)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale, or transfer of our business
• Consent: With your explicit consent for specific purposes

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure server hosting with SSL encryption
• Regular security assessments
• Limited access to personal information
• Staff training on privacy practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under Australian Privacy Laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for processing
• Complaint: Lodge a complaint about our privacy practices

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete it.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than Australia. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your privacy rights.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you of significant changes via email or website notice
• Post the updated policy on our website

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, want to exercise your privacy rights, or have concerns about how we handle your personal information, please contact us:

14. Complaints

If you're not satisfied with our response to your privacy concern, you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Privacy Commissioner: