Wednesday 17th September, 2003
MEETING OPENED by Andrew Marshall (chairperson) at 8.20pm.
Present:
Andrew Marshall (President), Terri Harwood, Chris Westcott, Phillip Marshall, John Kratochvill, Ronald Master (Dept of Ag), John Blaney-Murphy, Phil Mellon, Dave Rushton (Dept of E), Graeme Heighton (Treasurer), Dale Holley (Secretary).
Apologies:
Monty Walker, Maurice McCormick (Vice-president), Peter Collins (DCLM), Pat Walker
The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed by John Kratochvill and Graeme Heighton:
2.1 Matters arising: Dave Rushton advised that the waterways signs will be up in two to three weeks.
2.2 Unfortunately owing to bad weather conditions, the revegetation programme was not as successful as expected. However, Chris Robinson is quite happy to come back at a later date, maybe late October. Letter to Chris (Dept of Ag) acknowledging our appreciation of the time and effort he has put in to the programme.
OUTWARDS:
(1) 25th August, 2003 to Kevin Hopkinson (Dept of Environment) expressing how pleased the group is with the progress of the fencing and revegetation.
4.1 Fencing Report
Funding rates, fencing 31.82km, 10.5ha of revegetation, 15 stock crossings, 7 watering points. Bringing the total to $36,.500.00
The photo exhibition from Green Corp's work in the Torbay Catchment has been in Redmond Store, Cosy Corner Store, Elleker Store, Albany Library and will go to Youngs Siding Store and the Denmark Library. Louise Duxbury asked for more suggestions as to where to display the exhibition for a longer period. Many suggestions were offered and will be passed on to Louise.
4.2 Watershed Newsletter
October edition, Ron Master will organise an article on the Fertiliser Workshop. Application for Membership to be attached to the newsletter. The Dept of Environment has some monitoring data to be included also. On a lighter note, poems would be greatly received, or stories, for sale items and coming events would be welcome. All to Louise at Green Skills. An article on Fox Baiting has been compiled by Monty Walker . Another fox baiting programme may still eventuate. A small article on what's happening in the area on watsonia spraying could also be included.
4.3 Upcoming events
Lake Powell Workshop on birds, bugs, weeds & water 23rd October 9.15-11.00 talks, 11.15-12.45 field visit. Guests: Sarah Comer CALM, Andrew Maughan Waters & Rivers Commission, Albany Bird Group, Kevin Hopkinson Water & Rivers Commission/Green Skills.
Perennial pastures field day - 29th October, bus departing Elleker Hall at 9.30am returning approximately 5.00pm. Lunch will be provided. RSVP 23RD Oct. Contact Ron Master 98928444 or Dave Rushton 98410108.
4.4 Weed Strategy
Update. Westnet Rail will spray the watsonia 10 metres either side of the railway line from Redmond to Elleker.
Tim Harwood obtained chemical and knapsacks and will start spraying within a week around the Elleker Hall. Torbay townsite is also being sprayed by the Bird walk organisers. Some of the minor roads in the area will be sprayed and plans are being made with the City of Albany to see what they can contribute to the spraying in the area.
4.5 Southern Incentive (SCRIPT)
There may be a possibility for funding of perennial pasture through SCRIPT. Ideally it would be best if we had landowners who volunteered land for perennial pasture trials first before an application proceeded.
SCRIPT is having a general meeting in the Fitzgerald River National Park Sat 20th Sept. It would be great for Torbay to be represented at their meetings. Contact Julie Mckie 98928537
We had another article in the latest SCRIPT newsletter Southern Prospects on Torbay Landholders and help from Green Corps with a photo.
4.6 Fundraising
Raffle tickets are moving very slowly. We need money in by the next meeting.
Louise Duxbury and Dave Rushton did a presentation to the Albany Ratepayers Association Meeting on 28th August. As a result of this, Elizabeth Barton (City of Albany Councillor) approached them regarding possible sponsorship for the Group by Coles Myer. A support letter was then sent to Roger Lewis of Coles Myer Ltd. to apply for sponsorship.
4.7 TCG Awards
A Barbeque lunch is being arranged for 7th December at Cosy Corner as a thank-you to all who have contributed to the Catchment this year.
4.8 Other
Another Fertiliser Workshop is being planned for Wednesday 21.01.04
Ron Master discussed a Risk Management Plan. This will be put on the Agenda for the next meeting.
Concern was raised over vehicles stopping on the Lower Denmark Road while visitors took photos of Lake Powell. As this could be a potentially dangerous situation, it was suggested a letter be sent to the Council suggesting a 2-car bay be constructed. Dale Holley to attend to this
As 29th October is the same day as the bus trip, our next meeting was changed to 5th November, 2003.