Freedom of Information

You can see records held by Barwon Water by applying for access under the Freedom of Information Act. 1982

• How to access Barwon Water documents under Freedom of Information
• How to make a request
• How we respond
• Fees and Charges
• Further Information
• Barwon Water Freedom of Information Application form 

How to access Barwon Water documents under Freedom of Information

You can request access to documents held by Barwon Water by writing to the Freedom of Information Manager and including payment of the $23.40 application fee. You can write a letter, or download the application form and send it to:

Freedom of Information Manager

Barwon Water

PO Box 659

GEELONG VIC 3220

How to make a request

• You need to give enough details for us to find the right documents. Avoid phrases like "all documents about" a topic.
• If you ask for documents about your personal affairs, we may ask you to provide proof of your identity.
• If you ask for documents on behalf of another person about their personal affairs we may ask you for a consent form signed by that person.

How we respond

• We may refer you to the wide range of information available to the public on the Internet and at our public web site:  www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au
• If your request is not clear or is too general we may ask you to re-submit it so that it is clear or describes specific documents or a specific timeframe.
• We will give you a decision about your request as soon as possible, and no later than 45 days after it is received or after it is clarified.
• If we decide not to release some or all of the documents you want, we will give you reasons and tell you how to appeal.
• We may suggest that you send your application to another agency, or transfer your request as appropriate.

Fees and charges

There is a $23.40 application fee that must be sent by cheque or money order with the request. This is a fixed cost which is non-refundable. If payment of the fee would cause you hardship you can ask for it to be waived by providing evidence such as a photocopy of your current health care card.

Further charges may be payable for time spent searching for documents ($20 per hour), and photocopying. You will be advised if these charges are going to be more than $50 and asked if you want to continue.

Further information

Contact Barwon Water’s Freedom of Information Manager by telephone on (03)5226 2595 or by email on foi@barwonwater.vic.gov.au.

Visit the Department of Justice Freedom of Information  page to find out more about Freedom of Information in Victoria. You can also lodge a request to Barwon Water using FOI Online here.

Barwon Water Freedom of Information Application form

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