This Planning Department Practice Note explains what planning application documents residents are entitled to see and get copies of (at cost) from their council. Unfortunately, some councils don't follow the spirit of the Prac Note, let alone the letter, but it does at least let you know what you're entitled to ask for.
Due to possible copyright issues with some documents incorporated in planning schemes (eg, references like the ANZ Parking Standards), the Dept. has temporarily withdrawn this Prac Note for minor changes. However, this won't effect access to the documents you'd normally find in a planning file and you can download the Prac Note by clicking on the pdf link below.