Attendances:

Des Wolfe (Chairperson, City of Albany Councillor), Yvette Worsfold, Kevin Priddle, Paul Bendotti (Water Corporation), Joni Pannell, Maurice McCormick, Ronald Master (AgWest), Bruce Radys (Ag West), John Kratochvill, Chris Westcott, Terry Allen, Dianne Evers (City of Albany Councillor), Chris Gunby (WRC), Terri Harwood, Tony Smith, Peter Collins (CALM), Adrienne Beatty, J. Rammage.

Apologies:

Pat Walker, Andrew Marshall, Julie Pech (WRC), Caroline Caddy, Phil Mellon, Graham Wright (Water Corporation), John Woodbury, Steve Pontin, Hugh Smith, Melissa Vernon.

Minutes of previous meeting:

The minutes were confirmed on the motion of M. McCormick, seconded by D. Evers. Carried unanimously. Any business arising from the last minutes would be dealt with later in General Business.

Torbay Inlet opening:

Paul Bendotti from the Water Corporation spoke to the group about the Torbay Inlet being opened last Thursday (17th May). No official correspondence had been received by Paul in regards to the flushing of the drainage system as per Phil Melons proposal from the last meeting. Due to this Paul was unable to talk directly about this issue but there was discussion about the system in general.

Coast and clean seas sites:

The wetlands project at the Marshall property is almost complete. Volunteers are requested for fencing of the area on Saturday 26th May at 1.00pm. The project is on schedule and may also be under budget. At Gary Martin's property the earthworks and fencing are complete. At the Grassmere drain site there is planting to be done in a month or so. There are fish in the area and the pool is clear to the bottom. Water is aerating well and the area seems to be holding well after recent rains. Cost again is less than predicted. Funding approved for fencing on Gary Higgins property. However it is unclear how far he has proceeded to date.

Waterways fencing:

The survey on the Marbellup Creek is nearly completed. Further funding is available. Julie Pech was not present to give any further information.

National Rivers Consortium application:

Application and funding has been approved. It will be necessary to appoint someone (a Project Officer) to the Centre of Natural Resources and Excellence in the near future. At the next meeting it will be necessary to consider appointing a steering committee for the project. This should be seen as a priority. There was also a question about the need for ongoing reporting for the duration of the project. This is a part of the project requirements.

A motion was put forward that his item be put on the agenda for the next meeting for further discussion. Moved Maurice McCormick, seconded Diane Evers. Motion carried unanimously. Chris Gunby undertook to bring along someone to the next meeting who could speak to the Group on what was anticipated for the next 12 months.

Torbay Catchment Group incorporation:

Des Wolfe retyped the Constitution with the changes as suggested at the last meeting. Des will get copies sent with the minutes for the next meeting. Comments should be forwarded to him or bought back to the next meeting.

Other business:

Maurice McCormick raised concerns about earthworks being done on the Marbellup Creek by a landowner. This has disrupted the water flow and caused ill feeling among residents. Chris Gunby spoke to the concerns raised. He has had contact with the person concerned and is dealing with the situation.

The Local Planning Strategy Draft has been released by the City Council. It is available from the council offices for $5.00 and at the library. Maurice McCormick felt that several sections and issues would involve/affect the Torbay Catchment area and suggested that it would be good for the group to put in a submission regarding the report. There was also encouragement for individual submissions to be made. Submissions close 23rd June 2001.

Motion put forward to the meeting: The Chairperson of the Torbay Catchment Group lodge a submission on behalf of the Group in response to the report. Moved Maurice McCormick, seconded J. Rammage. Motion carried unanimously. Any comments about the report can be sent to Des Wolfe or Andrew Marshall as soon as possible.

Bruce Radys (Ag West) spoke to his position as Landcare Education Officer. He has had discussions with Woodbury Boston School about their involvement in projects. Currently they are involved with a project on Bridal Creeper control through leaf hoppers. Also working on developing a 3D model of the catchment.

Watsonia spraying will be coming up and we need to look at the availability of the chemical.

Motion to the meeting: A letter be sent to the City of Albany asking about the availability of the chemical for use in spraying Watsonia. Moved Maurice McCormick, seconded Terry Allen. Motion carried unanimously.

Fencing and re-vegetation funding/assistance is still available. Contact Julie or Chris about this. Chris Gunby also informed the Group it may be possible to reimburse the Group for expenses on activities. It is necessary to keep records as much as possible for future reference.

There is also a good chance for future funding through National Heritage Trust and the National Salinity Plan especially as we have research ongoing.

Peter Collins (CALM) spoke about various CALM projects mainly the fox baiting program and ongoing monitoring.

Des Wolfe has been approached for the Group to be given updates on the wood chip mill and port projects. After discussion the Group felt it would be good to hear from those involved especially on how these projects affect the Catchment. It was decided the Group interest is on water supply and quality in the Catchment.

The next meeting to be held on Wednesday 4TH July 2001.

The meeting closed at 8.45 pm.