Freedom of Information
The Freedom of Information Act provides an opportunity for the public to access certain Council documents. The Act establishes a legally enforceable right for the community to access information in document form held by Council.
Requests for access to information under the Freedom of Information Act should be made in writing specifying the information required. Freedom of Information request forms can be obtained from the Municipal Offi ces, Civic Centre, 18 Roberts Avenue, Horsham. The application fee is $25.10 and other charges may be levied in accordance with the Freedom of Information Regulations.
During 2011-12, there were three requests received under the Freedom of Information Act 1982. Two applicants were provided with full access to the documents requested and one other application was denied access to exempt documents under the Act.
The offi cer with authority to make a decision in relation to a request under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 is Peter Brown, Chief Executive, ph (03) 5382 9725.
There were no applications under Section 51(1) of the Act for the review of a decision. There were no applications under Section 50(2) of the Act to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. There were no notices served upon the principal offi cer under Section 12(1) of the Act. With regard to Section 64(h) of the Act, no charges were collected by the Council. In regard to Sections 64(3)(g) and 64(3)(i) to 64(3)(j) of the Freedom of Information Act, Council has nothing to report.
Legislative Objectives of Council
The purpose and objectives of the Horsham Rural City Council are defi ned in the Local Government Act 1989. The Local Government Charter section of the Act states that the purpose of Local Government is to provide a system under which Councils perform the functions and exercise the powers conferred by or under this Act and any other Act for the peace, order and good government of their municipal districts (Section 3A).
A Council consists of its Councillors who are democratically elected in accordance with this Act.
The Act sets out the objectives of the Council which is to achieve the best outcomes for the local community having regard for the long term and cumulative eff ects of decisions.
In seeking to achieve its primary objective, a Council must have regard to the following facilitating objectives (Section 3C):
(a) to promote the social, economic and environmental viability and sustainability of the municipal district;
(b) to ensure that resources are used effi ciently and eff ectively and services are provided in accordance with the Best Value Principles to best meet the needs of the local community;
(c) to improve the overall quality of life of people in the local community;
(d) to promote appropriate business and employment opportunities;
(e) to ensure that services and facilities provided by the Council are accessible and equitable;
(f ) to ensure the equitable imposition of rates and charges; and
(g) to ensure transparency and accountability in Council decision making.
44 Horsham Annual Report 2011 - 2012
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