Freedom of Information

To access documents in Gippsland Water's possession under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 1982, you need to apply in writing.

Freedom of Information Officer
Gippsland Water
PO Box 3844
Traralgon VIC 3844

Before you make a request, we suggest that you:

• read our Part II Information Statement
• visit the Victorian Government's FOI website

Make a request

Clearly describe the documents or types of documents you want access to specifying

• If you want to inspect the documents at our offices, or you want us to send any documents as hard copies or electronically
• Should the documents be complete documents or would you like receive documents with irrelevant or exempt material removed

Payment

Include payment for the application fee ($29.60 from 1 July 2017) by:

• sending a personal or bank cheque, made payable to Central Gippsland Region Water Corporation
• pay by credit card (contact us)
• ask about waiving the fee if you are on a concession and can provide proof

Access charges (charges for searching for and making copies of documents) may also apply to your request. If we estimate the charges will be more than $50.00, we are required to advise you of our estimated charges before we process the request. If the charge is less than $50.00, we will let you know the final charges after we process your request when we send you our decision.

Some documents are exempt from release, for example if they:

• contain trade secrets
• may affect legal proceedings
• affect personal privacy
• may have been submitted to State Cabinet

Contact

• foi@gippswater.com.au

Part II Information Statement

Gippsland Water releases a large amount of information both online and printed documents, in meetings, at community events and at other activities.

Under Part II of the Freedom of Information Act 1982, Gippsland Water is required to publish an Information Statement to assist you in:

• Finding out about our organisation;
• Seeing what types of information and documents are produced and what is available on our website;
• Seeing how we manage Freedom of Information requests; and
• Deciding whether to make a Freedom of Information request.

There are six sections identified within the Part II Information Statement:

Statement 1 – Organisation and Functions
Statement 2 – Categories of Documents
Statement 3 – FOI arrangements
Statement 4 – Publications
Statement 5 – Rules, Policies and Procedures
Statement 6 – Report Literature

Statement 1 – Organisation and Functions

Information on Gippsland Water’s corporate structure, functions, governance and policies and legislation is contained in the Annual Report and Governance section of this website. Refer to the links below for more information:

• Board of Directors
• Our Management Team
• Corporate Documents

Statement 2 – Categories of Documents

Gippsland Water creates a large number of documents and records in the course of its work. We utilise a computerised records management system to manage correspondence and documents. We use online computer systems to manage financial, human resource and other operational activities and plans relating to our water supply, waterways, and drainage and sewerage responsibilities. Historical archives on our activities are available through the Public Record Office Victoria.

Document Types
The types of documents we handle include:

• policies, procedures, and guidelines
• briefings and reports
• registers and databases
• correspondence
• applications, permits, agreements, leases and licences
• meeting records
• financial records
• audio visual material

Document Categories
Currently under development.

Statement 3 – FOI Arrangements

Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982, members of the public have the right to request information and access documents about their personal affairs and the activities of Gippsland Water.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request needs to be made in writing to the agency that holds the documents being requested.

Visit the Victorian Government's FOI website, FOI Online Open this link in new window, or call them on 03 8684 0063 for general information about how to make a request.

Visit the Freedom of Information section of our website to find out how to access Gippsland Water documents under Freedom of Information.

For information about how we receive FOI requests, see the table here and visit our FOI web page.

Note:

• Resources listed in this statement are just a sample of our available information
• If you are interested in a specific topic: conduct a full search of our website
• or write to
  
  Manager Commercial Service
  Gippsland Water
  PO Box 348
  Traralgon VIC 3844

Statement 4 – Publications

Gippsland Water produces a wide range of publications. Many are available on the Corporate Documents section of our website. In some instances, it is not possible to make our publications available as downloads. Ask how you can obtain a copy.

Information specified by Financial Reporting Direction 22B is retained by our Accountable Officer and is made available on request to relevant ministers, members of parliament and the public (subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 if applicable).

Note:
Resources listed in this statement are just a sample of our available information.
If you are interested in a specific topic:

• conduct a full search of our websites
• write to:
  
  Manager Commercial Services
  Gippsland Water
  PO Box 348
  Traralgon VIC 3844

Statement 5 – Rules, Policies and Procedures

Gippsland Water is required to comply with various State and Commonwealth legislation. As a statutory authority we are by the Statement of Obligations issued by the Minister for Water. Under the Water Act 1989, we can also make by-laws as required.

Further information on the above can be found on the Corporate Documents page and the Customer Charter page of this website.

Gippsland Water also publishes internal rules, policies and procedures online. A sample of our policies and procedures can be found on our website; including

• Building Approval Requests
• Building over Easements
• Drinking (potable) Water Catchment
• Drawing Specifications

Statement 6 – Report Literature

Gippsland Water publishes final reports and records of decisions relating to policy.

Information specified by Financial Reporting Direction 22B is retained by our Accountable Officer and is made available on request to relevant ministers, members of parliament and the public (subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 if applicable).

If you are searching for a specific topic, more thorough results may be obtained by conducting a full search of the Gippsland Water website or by contacting us direct.

Water Storage

Note:
Resources listed in this statement are just a sample of our available information.
If you are interested in a specific topic:

• conduct a full search of our websites
• write to:
  
  Manager Commercial Services
  Gippsland Water
  PO Box 348
  Traralgon VIC 3844