Meeting Opened:

by Andrew Marshall (Chairperson) at 1935

Present:

Phil Mellon, Peter Collins, Terry Davey, Lyn Davey, Monty Walker, Viv Read, John Kratochvill, Des Wolfe, Hugh Smith, Maurice McCormick, Phillip Marshall, Graeme Heighton, Andrew Marshall (Chair), Terri Harwood (Sec)

Apologies:

Howard Shapland, Chris Westcott, Dale Holley, Julie Pech, Graham Wright.

Minutes of previous meeting:

Confirmed on the motion of Peter Collins and Phil Mellon.

Amendment to previous minutes:

Item 4.4 BIRD HIDE GRANT APPLICATION - application had not been made at time of meeting.

Correspondence:

OUTWARDS:

1. 19th March, 2003 Letter sent to Mr David Atkinson, Department of Main Roads, regarding provision of Waterway Crossing signs along South Coast Highway.
2. 19th March, 2003 Letter to Works Co-ordinator, Gary Logan regarding provision of Waterway crossing signs along Lower Denmark Road.
3. 26th March, 2003 Letter sent to Acting Regional Manger, Chris Gunby, Water and Rivers Commission, regarding support statement for Coastwest Grant Application 2003.

INWARDS:

1. 17th March, 2003 Acknowledgement of receipt of Grant Application from
2. Lotteries Western Australia. Correspondence endorsed by Maurice McCormick.

Treasurer's Report:

The report was read to the meeting (copy attached). Hugh Smith and Phil Mellon accepted the Treasurer's report

General business:

1. 2003 Update of Weed Strategy - The group updated the Weed Control Strategy.

2. Small Equipment Grant Application - Maurice McCormick suggested applying for purchase of 5 pressure sprayers of 10 litres and safety equipment. Action: Dale Holley and Andrew Marshall to apply for the funds.

3. Green Corp's Team Report- Terry Davey (Team Leader) supplied written report and reported that the Group has developed really well. Any further fencing to be done, Kevin Hopkinson or Terry Davey can be notified on: 0427 195 250 or Green Skills Albany Office 9842 1334.

4. Waterways Grants Report - Kevin Hopkinson supplied report.

5. Insurance - Andrew Marshall tabled a quote for insurance for Landcare Groups from Aradlay Insurance Brokers for $235.00 Maurice McCormick moved we accept this quote and Graeme Heighton to investigate.

6. Fundraising- Members were encouraged to fill out membership forms and pay fees. The Group discussed having a raffle. Moved Phil Mellon and seconded Des Wolfe. Phil Mellon will co-ordinate organising the prizes. Des Wolfe to approach rural "retailers"

7. Fertiliser Workshop - 31/03/03 Monty Walker reported that the day was "brilliant", The speakers were excellent and it was a good opportunity to talk to the presenters and all who attended agreed. The only criticism was that the day wasn't well advertised. The group felt we should repeat the workshop in 2004-earlier in the year ie January, 2004 A letter to be sent to Ron Masters to thank him for organising an excellent day.

8. Articles for Watershed Torbay Newsletter- May/June addition. Report on Fertiliser Day to be presented for newsletter - Monty Walker and Maurice McCormick to write an article.

Other business

1. Viv Read (Consultant for Water and Rivers Steering Committee) is preparing a preliminary drainage plan for Torbay Catchment.

2. The Group is invited to a free Chainsaw Safety and Maintenance Training- Saturday 05/04/03 0830am-1630pm This will be held at Great Southern TAFE farm Mercer Road, Albany.

3. Andrew Marshall reminded the Group about the visit from National Rivers Consortium Board on 10/04/03 at 1030am-1330pm Thursday at Torbay Hall. All are invited to meet with them on this day.

4. Bores for the groundwater study around Lake Powell and Torbay Inlet have now been installed. Andrew Marshall tabled an update of the project.

NEXT MEETING 14TH May, at 7.30 pm - Elleker Hall