Freedom of Information Request

A Freedom of Information (FOI) Request is a formal request to access information or records held by Murrindindi Shire Council that are not publicly available.

Follow the steps below to submit a FOI Request.

Application process

Step 1.Get in touch

Have a chat with Council before submitting your application, as many Freedom of Information (FOI) requests we receive are about public documents already available and often free of charge.

Step 2.Submit a valid application

A 'valid' application under the Act means it is clear enough for Council officers to identify the document requested and the FOI access fee has been paid. We are committed to ensuring everyone can access information, so if you are experiencing financial hardship but would like to lodge an FOI request, be sure to get in touch with Council to discuss your application.

Submit a Freedom of Information Application

Step 3.Make Payment

Once we receive your application, we will let you know what the estimated cost of completing your FOI request will be. You will need to pay a deposit on this amount before Council can begin locating and collating the information you are seeking.

We will provide you with payment options once you are happy to proceed.

Step 4.Document Search

Once an application is lodged and a deposit is received, we will begin working on your FOI request. This can take up to 30 days, as we need to locate and collate all the relevant documents and remove any sensitive information excluded under the Freedom of Information Act. We will let you know if we need to consult with external parties and extend the 30-day period.

Step 5.Document Release

Once all documents have been located, we will send you a letter with the final costs and adjustments if there are any. Upon final payment, you will be able to access the documents in the format you requested.

Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, members of the public are able to access Murrindindi Shire Council documents and information.

In the interests of transparency, Murrindindi Shire Council has compiled a Part II Statement(PDF, 902KB) where you will find information about: 

  • the functions and decision-making powers of Murrindindi Shire Council
  • how we consult with the public
  • the types of documents we have available
  • the information and documents which have been prepared for publication or inspection and notice of where they can be inspected or obtained
  • the literature available by subscription or on free mailing lists
  • who you can apply to for documents and how an application can be made
  • the boards and committees which have been established to advise the Council and whose minutes are available to the public
  • the libraries we manage

There are two fees associated with making a FOI request:

  • Application fee - this is a fixed fee and is non-refundable
  • Access fee - relates to the costs incurred in granting access to the documents that you have requested. These costs may or may not apply depending on the nature of your request. 

Council may reduce or wave any fees associated to accessing documents if such fees cause hardship to the applicant. Should you have any questions in regards to the process or fees, please contact us on 03 5772 0333 and we will be happy to assist you.

Our fees for completing Freedom of Information requests are outlined below.

  • Application fee: $32.70 (2 fee units)
  • Search charge: $24.50 (1.5 fee units) per hour or part of an hour rounded to the nearest 10 cents
  • Supervision charge: $24.50 (1.5 fee units) per hour to be calculated per quarter hour or part of a quarter hour round to the nearest 10 cents
  • Photocopying charges: 20 cents per A4 page

We will charge the reasonable costs incurred for providing:

  • copies of a document other than black and white photography
  • arrangements to hear or view sound or visual equipment
  • written transcript(s)

 

Contact Us

Phone

(03) 5772 0333

Email

customer@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
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