Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage Freedom of Information

How to access to information

Before making a formal Freedom of Information (FOI) application, we recommend checking whether the information you are seeking is already available:

• Proactively Released Information

  The Department proactively releases certain information that is readily available for public access. This may include minutes and agendas, Heritage Place Search (InHerit), and the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Inquiry System.

Making a formal FOI application

If the information you are seeking is not publicly available, you may consider submitting a formal FOI Application.

To be a valid FOI application under section 12 of the FOI Act, your request must:

1. Be in writing. The Department provides application forms to assist in this process 
   • Online 
   • Application Form (PDF)
2. Provide enough detail to identify the sought documents 
3. Give an address in Australia to which notices under the FOI Act can be sent
4. Be lodged with the appropriate fee:
   • $30 for non-personal information via BPOINT (Biller Code: 1324904)
   • No fees or charges apply for personal information or amendment of personal information.

The Department will provide a decision within 45 calendar days or otherwise at an agreed time frame. 

Information Statement

The Department’s Information Statement outlines the functions and types of documents held by the Department and its associated entities, which include the Heritage Council of Western Australia, Western Australian Planning Commission, Pastoral Lands Board, Development Assessment Panels, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Committee and Aboriginal Lands Trust.

Privacy and Information Sharing

The Department collects your personal information such as your name and postal address to process your FOI application and to meet the requirements of a valid FOI application.

For further information about how your personal information is handled please refer to the Department’s Privacy Policy.

Contact Us

For assistance with completing your FOI application, or if you have any further questions, please contact the FOI Team via email at foi@dplh.wa.gov.au or by telephone on (08) 6551 8002.