MEETING OPENED by Maurice McCormick (Deputy Chair Person) 19:40.

Present:

Peter Collins (CALM), Chris Westcott, Graham Wright (Water Corp), Des Wolfe, Monte Walker, John Kratochvill, Dave Rushton Dept of E), Phil Mellon, John Blaney-Murphy, Graeme Heighton (treasurer), Maurice McCormick (Deputy Chairperson), Dale Holley (Secretary).

Apologies:

Louise Duxbury, M Vernon, Terri Harwood, John Simpson, C Gunby, Andrew and Philip Marshall, Diane Evers

1. Minutes of previous meeting:

   The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed by Dave Rushton

2. Amendments to the previous minutes:

   7.1 - Keith Smith has supplied seed, not native plants to Woodbury Boston. As a project, the children will then plant and nurture the seeds in readiness for re- planting on road verges.

3. Correspondence:

   OUTWARDS:

   (1) 20th June 2003 WA Gov Railways Commission asking for assistance re: watsonia eradication (enclosing map).
   (2) 20th June 2003, Westrail asking for assistance re: watsonia eradication (enclosing map).

   INWARDS:

   (1) 19th May 2003, Sergio Massimini City of Albany re: further correspondence regarding catchment signs. Des Wolfe to receive copy of the letter to discuss matter further.
   (2) 9th June 2003, Lotteries Western Australia advising that the Hon Mick Griffiths LLB MLC has approved the grant application.
   (3) 22nd May 2003, David Brudenall Australian Gov "Facs Making a difference" acknowledgement of receipt of our application for small equipment grant.
   (4) 15th May 2003, Chris Gunby Dept of Environment Protection Water and Rivers Commission advising $1000.00 is available through Coast and Clean Seas grant for ongoing expenses for the TCG, Letter to Chris Gunby expressing appreciation. Carried on the motion of Monty Walker and Graeme Heighton.

   Des Wolf and Phil Mellon moved that the correspondence be accepted carried.

   Matters arising from correspondence:

   Bird Hide - Peter Collins gave an update of progress. Bird Hide half up, cladding going on tomorrow. Within a week it should be close to completion and ready for opening.

4. General Business:

   4.1 Environment fund application
   All but done, due next Friday. Waiting clarification re: use of monies on exotic plants for perennial pasture.

   4.2 Green Corp team report
   Read to meeting. Andrew Marshall and Maurice McCormick have sprayed Corio Road in areas where Green Corp can commence roadside planting. Martin Stream line has been sprayed also.

   Many comments of praise have been received regarding the standard of work being carried out by the Green Corp team and the character of the young people involved. A letter to be sent acknowledging this, inviting them to a function towards the end of the year.

   4.3 Fundraising raffle report
   Drawing date 29/10/03 publishing date 6/11/03, 12 prizes.

   4.4 Membership
   Additions to form completed. For convenience John Blaney-Murphy moved the group obtain a PO Box. Monty Walker seconded. This is to be added to form.

   4.5 Insurance
   Treasurer to apply for insurance cover $300.00 fee.

   4.6 Achievement recognition
   Dave Rushton is compiling the application to nominate TCG for the Western Australian Environment Awards 2003. The group also discussed having our own yearly award certificate to acknowledge work carried out in the catchment, further discussion on this at the next meeting 6th August 2003.

   4.7 Storm-max - (waste water treatment)
   Dave Rushton informed the meeting of the pros and cons of this system, Dave to continue to look into.

   4.8 Perennial Pasture trial
   Dave Rushton has been discussing the trial with Ron Master and Paul Sanford (Dept of Ag) there is a similar trial being carried out in Wellstead and Paul may be able to assist us with our proposed trial.

   4.9 Other

   1. In relation to 6.9 minutes of previous meeting (opening of floodgates), the group was asked did we find out who opened the gates. The answer was no.

   2. In relation to 7.1 update of weed strategy letter of apology to sent Keith Smith clarifying the matter regarding seed for Woodbury Boston.

   3. Opening of Lake Powell Bird Hide, time changed from 10:30 to11:00am being opened by Monty House 16th July 2003 at Bird Hide, later at Elleker Hall for a few nibbles and tea and coffee. Dale to book hall etc.

   4. Treasurers Report as at 25th June 2003, Donation from Lotteries Commission. Great boost to funds ($4430.00) report was read to meeting, Des Wolfe accepted, Phil Mellow seconded carried.

   5. A brief overview by Maurice McCormick of work proposed/carried out in the catchment so far regarding fencing, revegetation, stock crossing and water points.

   6. John Blaney-Murphy inquired if there was any more information to pipe water from Marbellup Brook to Albany Town scheme. A lot more needs to be looked into, but basically the cost is holding things up. The subject is definitely in the "pipeline".

   7. Phil Mellon asked after the condition of Lake Powell and the work intended to improve the Lake. Peter Collins said the lake's condition could be better, but is not worse than a lot of other areas. There is no specific programme or management plan for Lake Powell, due to limited staff. However, if the Group felt there was a particular area of concern, then the Dept could follow it up.

   8. Ryan Munroe (Dept of Ag) to speak at TCG meeting on 6th August.

The Treasurer's report was also presented.

MEETING CLOSED 21:50

NEXT MEETING 6th August, at 7.30 pm - Elleker Hall