Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act 1991 ('The Act') serves to promote openness and transparency in governance and accountability of government agencies, including Councils.
To achieve these objectives, it confers on members of the public a legally enforceable right to be given access to documents. The Act sets out the legislative requirements for how applications received from the public for access to information held by the Council are to be dealt with.
Requesting information
Freedom of Information (FOI) applications should be submitted using the correct form. Please make sure your request is as specific as possible, so the correct documents can be identified. Include dates/date ranges where known.
An application fee of $44.70 (updated July 2026) must accompany the application. Applications will be dealt with as soon as practicable once received, or within 30 days. Fees and charges may be waived for persons demonstrating financial hardship.
Lodging your FOI application
You can lodge your Freedom of Information requests via post, email or in person:
Freedom of Information Officer
Coorong District Council
PO Box 399
Tailem Bend SA 5260
Email: council@coorong.sa.gov.au
In person: Coorong Civic Centre, 95-101 Railway Terrace, Tailem Bend
Remember: a fee of $44.70 is due at the time of lodgement.
Information statement
In accordance with Part 2 of the Act, a Council must, at intervals of not more than 12 months, cause an up-to-date information statement to be published in a manner prescribed by regulation. A copy of the current information statement can be obtained below.
- Freedom of Information application form
- Coorong District Council information statement - updated July 2026
Frequently asked questions
Public documents
A number of council documents are accessible without any application. These public documents are often policies, plans, registers, strategies.
Most public documents can be found by searching via the Your Council heading on Council's website. Many public documents are also made available for viewing or purchase at Council’s Civic Centre.
Copies of notices & renewals
If you’ve already received a notice, renewal or correspondence and would like another copy, most of the time it can be re-issued without charge by making an enquiry through our customer service team.
Development application records
Viewing or receiving documents related to your own development application - e.g. plans, layout, decision notifications can be accessed via the PlanSA Portal.
Access to historic information received by Council in regards to a previous Development Application is available to the current owner of a property. Requests must be made in writing and forwarded to Council with the appropriate search fee and proof of identification.
Property ownership information - extract of rates register
A public register of rateable properties, including ownership details, can be viewed at Council’s Civic Centre. Electronic extracts of the rate register can be purchased for a fee per property.
Documents exempt from public release
Some documents, or parts of documents, may be exempt from public release under provisions of the Act.
Common examples of exempt documents include those which if released:
- Would include unreasonable disclosure of the personal affairs of another person
- Could endanger personal or public safety and security
- Could affect a judicial process or law enforcement
- Would breach provisions in another Act - e.g. Copyright
- Would have an adverse effect on the commercial, professional or business affairs of another person or agency
Details of restricted and exempt documents can be found within the Freedom of Information Act.
Application fee
There is usually a fee for making an application - currently this is $44.70
Processing fees
If you are seeking large numbers of documents, Council may require processing fees to be paid in accordance with the South Australian Freedom of Information Fees and Charges Regulations. These fees are calculated based on time spent accessing the documents and the costs of providing documents - e.g. cost of printing, transcribing, storage devices. The full schedule of fees is available to view in Council's information statement.
Requests for small numbers of specific documents rarely incur additional processing fees. The more specific you can make your application, the less likely Council will need to charge for access. To assist in narrowing the scope of your application, consider specific date ranges, names, and details.
Once your application has been received, Council will contact you if additional processing fees will be required, and you will be given the choice to continue, reduce the scope, or withdraw your application.
If you are seeking documents relating to your personal affairs the Council may request proof of your identity.
If you are seeking documents on behalf of another person relating to their personal affairs, the Council may ask you to submit a consent form signed by that person.
Are there any concessions?
If you are a concession card holder, your fees may be waived. Proof of concession is required at time of application.
If you aren’t a concession card holder, but the fees associated with your application would cause you to suffer financial hardship your fees may also be waived, reduced or put on hold. Before seeking a fee waiver for financial hardship, a Council Freedom Of Information Officer may be able to assist by working with you to reduce the scope.
Step 1: Acknowledgement
Once your application has been received, you will receive an acknowledgement. If additional processing fees are required, you will be contacted before our FOI officers can proceed. Applications will be dealt with as soon as practicable (or within 30 days). In certain circumstances we may need to extend the timeframe for your application. We will notify you within 20 days if an extension is necessary and the reasons why.
Step 2: Consultation
Some documents require us to consult with other parties before we can release the information. This may include consulting with any other parties listed in your application, or any person or organisation who could be affected by release of the information. During the consultation period, your name and scope of request can be released to other parties.
Step 3: Response & decision
You will receive a written decision, called a Notice of Determination. If your request is refused, or part of it is refused, the notice will explain why this has happened. It will also include information about your rights of review and appeal if you are unhappy with the decision.