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.

The Freedom of Information Part II Statement provides a snapshot of our powers and functions, the documents and information we keep and the ways you can access them. Providing easily accessible information reduces the need to submit FOI requests under the Act.

If you cannot locate the information you are seeking after reviewing the Part II Statement and conducting a search on our website (Publications, Policies and Strategies page), we encourage you to contact Council's FOI Officer via email foi@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au before making a formal FOI request. In some instances we will be able to provide you with the information you are seeking without going through a formal process.

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 or via email at foi@sthgrampians.vic.gov.au

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 $31.80. 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.