The draft plan for the proposed Elleker to Torbay Rail Trail has been released and is available on-line.

Consultant Mike Maher has prepared a plan that identifies all the issues associated with the project and has fully costed the implementation of the 7km trail that will develop the old rail line between Elleker and Torbay for cyclists, walkers and horse-riders.

Feedback on the plan can be sent to the Torbay Catchment Group, PO Box 1900, Albany WA 6331 before 23 February. A second community meeting with the consultant will be held at a date to be confirmed.

The 2009 Torbay Calendar is available to purchase from the Elleker Store for only $8. The calendar features local scenes and local photographers. The calendar makes a great gift for friends and family. Pick yours up today!

Riders on the Denmark to Nornalup Rail Trail

Torbay Catchment Group has recently received funding to undertake a trail development plan for a proposed trail between Elleker & Torbay along the old rail reserve that linked the towns. It is proposed that the trail will cater for cyclists, horse riders and walkers and will provide safe recreational opportunities for local residents.

A public meeting is being held at the Elleker Hall, 7:30pm on Wednesday December 3. This will be an opportunity to meet with the consultant who is preparing the plan, have input into the design and alignment and voice any concerns about the proposed trail. Come along and have your say. All welcome. Contact Karen McKeough for more information.

The International River Foundation has released a new book based on the winners of the Riverprize.

Featuring local legend Maurice McCormick, "River Journeys" features insightful and inspiring interviews with Australian and International people from all walks of life who have one thing in common: the love for their land and rivers and a dedication and determination to go the extra mile to repair the damage inflicted upon them. Be captivated by the optimism and enthusiasm that drives these 'River Heroes' who are working for the re-establishment of natural processes in our ecosystems, for the healthy habitat of wildlife, for the benefit of humankind, and ultimately, for the spirit that is within all things.

The book features stunning landscape photography by commissioned photographer Kerry Trapnell who is well-known for this documentary photography in northern Australia, in particular the Cape York Peninsula region.

For more information visit www.riverfoundation.org.au

Torbay Catchment Group members recently visited Jarlmadangah, a Kimberley indigenous community, to investigate twinning opportunities.

The Jarlmadangah Community, south of Derby, is well regarded in the Kimberley for their leadership and their good work in caring for their country and people. The community is well known to several people living in the Torbay Catchment. These links were important in making contact with the Jarlmadangah Community to see if there was interest in developing a twinning project. The Jarlmadanagh community has expressed interest in seeking support with river erosion issues, including fencing the Fitzroy River to exclude livestock. A visit by Jarlmadangah to Torbay is being planned.

Read the full report here (872Kb PDF file)

Environmental Water Requirement (EWR) Studies have recently been completed for Torbay wetlands. The studies were commissioned by the Department of Water as a part of the water allocation planning that is currently being undertaken by the Department. The studies were completed by researchers from Edith Cowan University and University of WA. The EWR study determines how much water the environment needs to maintain itself, that is, how much water and when it's needed by the vegetation, birds, fish & animals that rely upon these wetlands to survive. By determining the needs of the environment, the Department of Water can then consider other users who may wish to utilise the water resources in the catchment.

A group of people interested in the Torbay catchment joined the bus tour to investigate the current state of the catchment, look at the land management issues affecting the catchment and to learn what can be done to look after properties and the catchment.

Land & Water Australia, the major funding body for the Watershed Torbay project, have released a report on the project "The Watershed Torbay experience - community, change, collaboration and celebration".

The report outlines the key learning experiences from the project, from the perspectives of all the key groups involved: government agencies, researchers, local community and project staff. This report demonstrates how the approach taken by the Watershed Torbay project equipped the community to embark on the catchment restoration process, as well as providing valuable information for others involved in natural resource management about how to successfully engage local communities.

The report is available on the web site, or if you would like a copy posted to you, please contact the Torbay Catchment Coordinator.