Freedom of Information (FOI) Requests

As a statutory agency of the state government, Lower Murray Water (LMW) is bound by the Victorian Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act).

This means that you can request to access certain types of information and documents held by us through Freedom of Information (FOI) procedures. All applications must be made in writing, whether that be via postal mail or email. If you require an interpreter to assist you with your request, please visit LMW’s Contact Us page for how to access this service.

Requesting information

To request information, complete the Freedom of Information Request Form (CTD/004181) or write to us detailing your request. To allow us to locate the requested documentation, ensure that your request is detailed and specific. If your request is not clear, we may ask for clarification, which can result in delays.

A fixed, non-refundable FOI application fee of $32.70 is required for all FOI requests in Victoria (1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025).

Further reasonable charges for photocopying and other processing costs may be applicable. FOI fees and charges are not subject to GST. All costs are calculated in conjunction with Access Charges as prescribed in Section 22 of the FOI Act.

Please send your completed Freedom of Information Request Form (CTD/004181) to:

Freedom of Information Officer
Lower Murray Water
PO Box 1438
Mildura VIC 3502

Or via email to foi@lmw.vic.gov.au

When we have received your request, we’ll acknowledge your application electronically or via mail. We’ll confirm the FOI reference and ask you to pay the FOI request application fee electronically into our Lower Murray Water account.

Once we understand what information or document you are seeking, we will take all reasonable steps to notify you of a decision, as soon as practicable but no later than 30 days after the day on which your valid request is received. If the 30-day period is extended under the relevant provisions of the FOI Act, the day after the extended period ends.

We may release all, part, or none of the documents that you’ve requested. All applications are considered under the guidelines of the Freedom of Information Act, whether the information requested is exempt from release. If we decide not to release any documentation, we will provide you with a reason and information on how you can appeal our decision.

Please note that if you request documents about your personal affairs, you may be required to provide proof of your identity. If you request on behalf of someone else, you may require proof of their consent.

Further charges may be payable for time spent searching for documents. Details can be found on the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner website. If payment would cause you hardship you can ask for it to be waived.

How to Appeal

If you’re not satisfied with the handling of your request, you may appeal to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner.

Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner: Reviews

Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner: Complaints

Information Statement

We aim to make our information and documents easily accessible by members of the public. The statements listed in this part outline the functions of LMW and provide a non-exhaustive list of the types of information and documents we hold in relation to our functions.

If you cannot find the information you are searching for after reviewing these statements and conducting a search of our website, we encourage you to phone 1800 808 830 or email foi@lmw.vic.gov.au to ask if the information or document you are seeking is available. In many instances we will be able to provide you with the information you are seeking without requiring you to make a formal request for access.

Organisation and Functions

Information on LMW’s corporate structure, functions, governance, policies, and legislation is contained in our Annual Report. Refer also to the links below for more information.

Categories of Documents

LMW creates and stores a broad range of electronic and hard copy documents.

Document Types

The types of documents that we have in our possession include:

Policies, procedures, and standards
Briefings and reports
Correspondence
Meeting minutes and records
Financial records
Training and education material
Employee records
Operational records
Images and videos
Contracts
Registers

Document Categories

Documents are organised under the following categories:

Administrative
Business planning
Training and education
Financial management
Human resources
Legal
Policy
Operational

Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) (FOI Act) provides you with the right to request access to documents held by LMW. The object of the FOI Act is to extend as far as possible the right of the community to access information in the possession of the Government and other bodies constituted under the law of Victoria.

You are encouraged to check if the information or document you are seeking is already publicly available such as in our annual report, policies and procedures, or other resources available on our website.

Where you cannot find the information or document you are seeking, we encourage you to contact us and ask if the information or document you are seeking is available or can be provided to you. To request information, refer to the Freedom of Information (FOI) Requests – Requesting Information section above.

Publications

LMW produces a number of publications which can be accessed and downloaded from our website.

You can search all our resources which includes reports, Corporate Plans, Water Plans, Customer Charters, and other policies and strategies.

If you need assistance finding a publication, please contact us on 1800 808 830.

Rules, Policies, and Procedures

LMW is required to comply with various state and federal legislation. A sample of policies and procedures can be found on our website including:

Charters and strategies which guide our works and services
Building and development guidelines
Works permits and licences
Policies and procedures
Statement of Obligations

Report Literature

LMW publishes an annual report each year. These reports can be viewed and downloaded on our Annual Report page.