Present:

D Wolfe (Chairperson), A Marshall (Deputy Chairperson), D Evers, J Pech (Water and Rivers Commission), P Marshall, M McCormick, T Walshe (National Rivers Consortium), G Heighton, M Walker, C Gunby (Water and Rivers Commission), P Collins, Department of Conservation and Land Management), S Wise, M. Papalia (City of Albany), L Eldridge, C Westcott, J Kratochvill, and P Walker (Secretary).

Apologies:

H Shapland and G Wright (Water Corporation).

Welcome:

to Marisa Papalia from the City of Albany who was present to take the Group members through the City of Albany's Rural Planning Issues Review.

Minutes of previous meeting:

The minutes were confirmed on the motion of D Evers and C Westcott. .

Business arising out of the minutes:

NATIONAL HERITAGE TRUST FUNDING: Julie Pech reported that the funding from this body was not forthcoming until July 2003. One billion dollars is to be spread over 5 years.

WETLAND PLANTING: Julie Pech reported that three quarters of the sedges had been planted by November and the next lot would be planted in the coming week.

Rural planning issues review:

Marisa Papalia took the members of the Group through each step of the Community Feedback Form while the Secretary and Julie Pech marked forms. The result of the Feedback Forms were to be combined onto one form and sent to the City of Albany by the Secretary as soon as possible.

Water quality:

Julie Pech provided a Water Quality Watch form on which people living adjacent to waterways can seasonal changes in water levels, observations and water quality changes relating to pollution and algal blooms. Julie advised following requests from the community, that there were no funds available this year for a follow up Phoslock trial in the area.

Torbay Catchment Group incorporation update:

The Torbay Catchment Group became an Incorporated body on 31 December, 2001. The Annual General Meeting of the Group will be held on Wednesday 27 March 2002. This meeting to be advertised 14 days beforehand in the Albany Advertiser giving the time, date and place of the meeting.

Aplications for waterways grants update:

Monty Walker, Loc Plant 660, Marbellup Road, had applied for funds to fence 1.6km of Marbellup Brook - a total of $960.00. On the motion of M McCormick, seconded A Marshall, it was moved that D Wolfe accompany J Pech to inspect M Walker's property.

Torbay project - National Rivers Consortium:

Plans were in progress for the launch of Torbay Project at Woodbury Boston Environmental School. A Web Page was being designed and information sessions would be held at Torbay, Elleker and Redmond. Terry Walshe introduced himself as the part time co-ordinator for the Torbay Project and will spend the next 4 years on the Project.

General business:

LAUNCH OF P MARSHALL'S WETLAND: Chris Gunby suggested that we celebrate the finish of Phillip's wetland by inviting the community members to a celebration. Information on what has been achieved, where we are going - fencing of waterways, wetlands, watsonia spraying, Phoslock trial, etc. Member discussed the suggestion.

WATSONIA SPRAYING: Moved A Marshall, seconded D Evers that the Secretary write to the City of Albany advising the requirement of 60kgs of Delapon for spraying in September/ October.

MARBELLUP ROAD: Moved A Marshall, seconded D Evers that a letter be sent to the City of Albany asking if there was a policy on revegetation of road sides. The rebuilding of Marbellup Road has denuded the roadside of all vegetation and it badly needs attention when the road works are completed. Carried.

GREAT SOUTHERN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION NATIONAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT MEDAL: D Evers provided a pamphlet with information on the award, which gives public recognition and reqard for outstanding individual effort in natural resource management for those working in, or for, the Great Southern Region. The award rewards best practice, or contributions to best practice and is open to all individuals across the public and private sector.

Please be encouraged, and encourage others, to nominate for this prestigious award. Nominations can be downloaded from GSDC website at www.gsdc.wa.gov.au , proceed to Current Projects, then NRM. For further information call Katrina on 9842 4888. Nominations for 2001 close March 31, 2002.

The next meeting will be held on 27 March 2002, Annual General Meeting.