Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (the FOI Act) gives people the right to access documents held by Victorian government agencies.

The FOI Act has four main functions:
1. To provide a general right of access to documents;
2. To enable individuals to amend incorrect documents about them held by government;
3. To provide rights appeal in relation to the previous two functions;
4. To require agencies to publish certain details about themselves and their functions.

For more information on the FOI Act and procedures see OVIC's webiste.

Many of Councils documents are available to the public via Council’s website. Before submitting an FOI Application it is recommended that you view our documents available for public inspection on our Publications, Policies and Strategies page of this website.

Councils must prepare a Part II Statement under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and ensure that it is published and made available to the public. This document provides further information regarding the functions and operations of Southern Grampians Shire Council and the documents in Council's possession that can be made publically available. For further infromation, please refer to Council's Freedom of Information Part II Statement

Some documents are available outside the FOI Act:

All requests for access to Council documents under the FOI Act must be made via the online form below, accompanied by the application fee and provide such information as is reasonably necessary to enable the documents to be identified. Before making an FOI request it is recommended that you speak with Council’s Freedom of Information Officer on (03) 5573 0425.

Requests must be for specific documents or a defined group of documents. Your request must include key details, such as a date-range for the documents you seek access to. Your request will be interpreted literally, so avoid phrases such as “all documents relating to” because it may result in you being charged for, and receiving, documents which you were not after. If your request is not clear, clarification will be sought by Council.

Freedom of Information Application Form

There is an application fee of $30.60. In accordance with Section 17(2B) of the FOI Act, you may ask for the application fee to be reduced or waived. If you apply for the application to be reduced or waived please supply evidence that payment would cause you hardship (e.g. Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card or other documentation).

Search and access charges, allowable under the FOI Act and Regulations, are also applicable to each application.

Not all documents requested will be able to be provided. Documents may be exempt under the FOI Act. Common exemptions are:

All requests to correct you own personal information held by Council must be in writing and specify how the information is incorrect.

No charges apply to request a correction of your own personal information.