As a statutory agency of the state government, we’re bound by the Victorian Freedom of information Act 1982 (FOI Act).
This means that you can request access to certain types of information and documents held by us through freedom of information (FOI) procedures. All applications must be made in writing.
To request information, complete the below application form or write to us detailing your request.
A fixed, non-refundable application fee of $33.60 is required for all FOI requests in Victoria (from 1 July 2025).
Further reasonable charges for photocopying and other processing costs may be applicable. FOI fees and charges are not subject to GST.
Send your form to:
Freedom of Information Officer
South Gippsland Water
PO Box 102
Foster VIC 3960
If you would like to make payment by an alternative method including online, in person or via credit card, we will issue you an invoice for the non-refundable fee to be paid prior to the provision of the requested information. The invoice will provide you with these payment details.
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.
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, or if the 30 day period is extended under the relevant provisions of the FOI Act, the day after the extended period ends.
We may choose to release all, part, or none of the documents that you’ve requested. If we decide not to release any documentation, we will provide you with reason and information on how you can appeal the 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.
If you’re not satisfied with the handling of your request, you may appeal to the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner.
The Freedom of Information Act allows the public a right of access to documents held by South Gippsland Water.
South Gippsland Water is considered to be a Government Agency under the terms of the Act. Accordingly, it is required to comply with the procedures that have been prescribed and the Freedom of Information policy guidelines. Decisions to release information are made by an Authorised Officer.
We are committed to the aims and objectives of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012 (the Act). We do not tolerate improper conduct by our employees, officers or members, nor the taking of reprisals against those who come forward to disclose such conduct.
We recognise the value of transparency and accountability in our administrative and management practices and support the making of disclosures that reveal improper or corrupt conduct.
We will take all reasonable steps to protect people who make such disclosures from any detrimental action in reprisal for making the disclosure.
We will also afford natural justice to the person who is the subject of the disclosure.
What is improper or corrupt conduct?
Improper or corrupt conduct is defined as:
Corrupt conduct is defined as; Conduct, or an attempt or conspiracy to engage in conduct that:
How do I make a disclosure?
In accordance with Section 13 of the Act, we are not able to receive Public Interest Disclosures. Any person who has reasonable grounds for believing that improper or corrupt conduct has occurred can make a disclosure in writing or by telephone directly to the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC).
Contact Details
Independent Broad-Based Anti-corruption Commission
Level 1, North Tower, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Telephone: 1300 735 135
Website: www.ibac.vic.gov.au
General Manager Corporate Services
South Gippsland Water
PO Box 102, Foster 3960
Telephone: 03 5682 0444
South Gippsland Water strives to ensure financial management and stewardship of customer monies occurs with integrity and in accordance with the law at all times. If you identify, or suspect, any instances of a South Gippsland Water employee potentially engaging in fraud or any form of dishonest or improper conduct relating to use of South Gippsland Water property, equipment or money, or gaining improperly from customer or business relationships in connection with their employment at South Gippsland Water, we encourage you to report so immediately. You may report your concerns in any of the following ways:
Any matter may be reported anonymously but note this may impact on the ability to investigate fully. Any matter reported will be treated with the fullest level of confidentiality possible.
We aim to make our information and documents easily accessible by members of the public. The statements listed below outline the functions of SGW and provide an overview of the types of information and documents we hold in relation to these areas.
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 1300 851 636 or email sgwater@sgwater.com.au and ask if the information or document you are seeking is available.
In many instances we will be able to provide you with the information without requiring a formal request for access.
Information Statement 1: Organisation and Functions
SGW is a regional water corporation providing high quality drinking water, sewerage, trade waste and recycled water services to customers across the South Gippsland Region. It is one of 19 state-owned water businesses operating under the guidance of the Water Act 1989.
Read more about SGW and our Region
Read more about our Management and Board of Directors
Read more about our Policies and Legislation
Information Statement 2: Categories of Documents
SGW produces a large number of documents and records in our operations. We use a number of systems to capture and manage the broad range of electronic and hard copy documents. The types of documents that we produce include:
These documents are organised under the following high-level categories according to our business classification scheme:
Information Statement 3: FOI Arrangements
Information on how to request documents under the FOI Act, how we process and respond to enquiries and any fees and charges that may apply can be found at the top of this page.
Information statement 4: Publications
SGW produces a number of publications which can be accessed and downloaded from this website, You can search our all of resources on this site which includes reports, Corporate Plans, Water Plans, Customer Charter, Statements of Obligations, policies and other tools.
If you need assistance finding a publication, please contact us on 1300 851 636
Information Statement 5: Rules Policies and Procedures
Strategic plans
Our strategic, corporate and business plans are guiding documents to ensure a sustainable future. They define the direction and objectives of our business and people. They outline our commitment to our customers and stakeholders, and business and community partnerships.
A range of documents can be found on this website or call 1300 851 636 for more information
Statement of Obligations
Statement of Obligations General 20 Dec 2015 – (SoO)
Issuing Statement of Obligations (Bulk Water Reform)
Policies
We have a range of policies that provide guidance for the organisation and our staff in relation to compliance, risk management and accountability. A range of policies can be found on this website or call 1300 851 636 to enquire of an area of interest
SGW range of documents includes:
| · Privacy Policy · Protected Disclosures Policy · Records Management Policy · Asset Management Policy · Information Management Policy · Customer Complaints and Disputes Resolution Policy · Customer Support Policy · Customer Account and Debt Management Policy · External Media Policy · Corporation Vehicles Policy · Freedom of Information Policy · Drinking Water Quality Policy · Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy · Environmental and Sustainability Policy· Risk Management Policy · Sponsorship and Community Partnerships Policy · Fraud, Corruption and other Losses Policy | Finance Policy · Respectful and Fair Workplace Policy · Trade Waste Policy · Catchment and Water Supply Protection Policy · Conflict of Interest – SGW Employees & Board · Maintenance Management Policy · SGW Employment Principles Policy · Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Policy · Board Integrity and Code of Conduct Policy · Dispute Resolution – Board Policy · SGW Business Continuity and Resilience Policy · Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy · Family Violence Policy · Procurement and Purchasing Policy · Treasury Management Policy |