Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 provides you with a legal right to access documents in the possession of the Council. 

The FOI Act gives you:

  • The right to access documents about your personal affairs and the activities of government agencies; and
  • The right to request that incorrect or misleading information held by an agency about you be amended or removed.

However, some documents may be exempt from access, and these exemptions are stipulated in the Act.

Mansfield Shire Council is a prescribed authority (or "agency") under the Act. The Act extends to the community the right to access information from prescribed authorities. The "information" sought by an applicant under the Act must be in document form and must be in the possession of the agency.

Requests for access to information under the FOI Act should be made in writing by completing the 'Application for Access to Documents Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982' form and submitting it via post or email:

Post

Mansfield Shire Council
Freedom of Information Officer
Private Bag 1000
Mansfield VIC 3724

Council has produced an 'at a glance' handout which provides a summary of Freedom of Information, together with all the necessary information required to lodge an application.  This handout can be downloaded from the link below. 

'At a Glance' Handout(PDF, 225KB)

Application for Access to Documents Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982(PDF, 194KB)

Freedom of Information Part II Statement(PDF, 370KB)

FAQ's

How do I apply to view the Register of Interests and Prescribed documents?

Publicly Available Documents

 In line with the Local Government Act 2020Local Government (Governance and Integrity) Regulations 2020, and Council’s Public Transparency Policy(PDF, 2MB). Council publishes documents on its website under the Council tab.

Some documents you wish to inspect may not be on the website. require that you submit a written request to Inspect Prescribed Documents to the Chief Executive Officer at council@mansfield.vic.gov.au. Document inspections are made by appointment between 9-5pm at Council’s Office, 33 Highett Street, Mansfield.

Alternatively Council’s Freedom of Information process provides a fee service to apply to access documents about your personal affairs and the activities of government organisations.

Requests for access to information under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 should be made in writing by completing the Application for Access to Documents Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.(PDF, 194KB)  

How do I make a Freedom of Information request?

Council’s Freedom of Information process provides a fee service to apply to access documents about your personal affairs and the activities of government organisations.

Requests for access to information under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 should be made in writing by completing the Application for Access to Documents Under the Freedom of Information Act 1982.(PDF, 194KB)

How will my Freedom of Information request be processed?