The Freedom of Information Act 1991 (SA) gives individuals the right to access documents (subject to certain restrictions) that are within the council's possession. It also allows for the amendment of documents which contain personal information that is incomplete, incorrect, out of date or misleading.

Many Council documents are available to the public and do not require a Freedom of Information application. These documents include public copies of minutes and agendas (including reports), policies and procedures adopted by the Council, strategic management plans, registers and returns, codes of conduct, codes of practice, by-laws, annual report and development applications available for viewing during the public consultation period in accordance with the Development Act 1993.

Many of these documents are available on this website; however, they can also be inspected or purchased from the front counter at the District Council of Orroroo Carrieton

Please refer to Council's Annual Report for a more specific list of documents available for public inspection.

Other council information is readily available without recourse to the Freedom of Information Act and we invite you to discuss your information needs with us. There are a few exceptions, such as personal and personnel records and matters which are subject to litigation, but generally, information is readily available for viewing at no charge or a minimal reproduction charge as per our Fees and Charges Schedule.

It is important to specify what you require as clearly as possible so our staff may quickly and efficiently help you.

Freedom of Information (FOI) Request for Access to Documents

There are fees associated with processing an application as provided in the Freedom of Information (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2003 (no fee is required for concession card holders or pensioners). Please refer to the State Records Website for current information and associated fees, or refer to the application form.

FOI in South Australia - State Records

An initial fee must accompany the Freedom of Information application and an administrative fee is charged for the time spent to process the application. In order to reduce the fees associated with this process, it is advisable to contact the Council's Freedom of Information Officer, to discuss the specifics of the request.

Once a valid application is received, the Freedom of Information Officer is required to:

• search the council's Records Management systems to establish the location of the relevant document(s)
• physically locate and extract documents from place held
• read file to locate document(s) relevant to the request
• examine the document carefully
• consult with any person or body
• make the determination
• notify the applicant of the determination.

All applications must be made in writing using the prescribed form and accompanied with the application fee. The application together with the fee should be mailed to:

District Council of Orroroo Carrieton
Freedom of Information Officer
PO Box 3
ORROROO SA 5431