Attendances:

Des Wolfe (Chairperson, City of Albany Councillor), Andrew Marshall (Deputy Chairperson), Diane Evers (City of Albany Councillor), Julie Pech (WRC), Graeme Heighton, (Telstra), Ron Master (AgWEST), Kevin Priddle, Philip Mellon, (Elleker Progress Association), Phillip Marshall, John Kratochvill, Maurice McCormick, Yvette Worsfold , Tony Erith, Peter Anderson, Clem Urlich, Monty and Lesley Walker, Melissa Vernon and Pat Walker (Secretary).

Apologies:

Apologies were received from Chris Gunby (WRC), Terry Harwood, Adrienne Beatty, Howard Shapland, Chris Westcott , David Elphick, Hugh Smith and Graham Wright (Water Corp).

Minutes of previous meeting:

The minutes were confirmed on the motion of M McCormick and A Marshall.

Roadside conservation survey results:

Jane Davies from the City of Albany spoke of the survey done by members of the Group in March 2000, of Roadside Vegetation and reported that, to date, there was no report or statistics. Jane showed members overlays of the predominant weed areas in the Torbay Catchment showing bridal creeper, pampas grass, watsonia, taylorina, etc. Members were in doubt as to the accuracy of the overlays shown for different weeds.

Torbay Catchment Group Incorporation:

Des Wolfe, Chairperson, brought a draft of the proposed Constitution to the meeting, which members of the sub-committee had been working on. The draft was discussed by members and some changes were made.

Coast and clean seas project update:

Julie Pech, Water and Rivers Commission, reported on work done on the Grasmere Drain where earthworks have been completed. Revegetation of the sides of the drain will take place shortly. At Gary Martin's site, pools, riffles and fencing has been completed. And at Phillip Marshall's, earthworks have been completed. Various members were to meet on Thursday 12 April at 1.00 pm at the site to see what has been done. Julie advised that later in the year there would be a field trip to inspect all the improvements.

Flushing of drainage system:

Phil Mellon spoke of flushing the whole of the drainage system by building up levels at various points and releasing all water at once. Phil was advised to get a draft of his proposal to the Secretary to be sent on to Graham Wright at the Water Corporation.

Jean Webb, Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee Inc.:

A letter from Jean Webb regarding the Report on the Proposal to Establish an Umbrella Group to Co-ordinate Community Natural Resource Management in the Albany Western Hinterland was read to the Group for information.

The next meeting to be held on Wednesday 23 May 2001

The meeting closed at 9.20pm