Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information legislation applies to Council. It gives members of the community a legal right of access to documents in the possession of Council, which were created or received after 1 January 1989.  

Documents considered to be protected in the best interests of the  public, or private and/or business affairs, may be exempt from access under this legislation.

Principles of Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act has four basic principles:

1. The public has a legal right of access to information;

2. Local Governments are required to publish information concerning the documents they hold;

3. Personal records may be amended on request if inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading; and

4. Decisions not to give access to the information or not to amend a personal record can be appealed.

Freedom of Information Requests

All requests under Freedom of Information must be in writing. A request must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of $25.10.  

Further charges may be incurred, which can include the cost of accessing the information (ie retrieval from storage) and photocopying. These charges are in accordance with the Freedom of Information (Access Charges) Regulations.  

A form is available for your use and guidance. Requests need to be clear and specific. On receipt of your request, Council must make a decision within 45 days. Where a decision is made to refuse or defer access, you will be notified in writing of the reasons for the refusal and the procedures available to appeal the decision.

Where do I send my request or seek further information?

For all enquiries or further information on the Freedom of Information Act and procedures, please contact the Freedom of Information Officer on (03) 56242411.

Please send your written request to:

The Freedom of Information Officer
Baw Baw Shire Council
PO Box 304
Warragul VIC 3820