The last year has been a very busy one - full of activity and notable achievements.

Julie Pech left us to go maternity leave in March having done excellent work within the catchment since it's conception. We welcomed her replacement, David Rushton, who is carrying on her good works.

The Green Corps team under the leadership of Terry Davey, have done a fantastic job with fencing, planting trees, clearing of woody weeds, bulrushes etc and the construction of the Lake Powell bird hide. Their six month's contract came to end in August with a memorable graduation ceremony and their photographic exhibition of some of their work in the Torbay Hall.

Our 2002 Envirofunds Grants for Woody Weed Control and Best Management Practices in Waterways Rehabilitation are almost used up. Dave Rushton has applied for a new Envirofund Grant. These funds cover part of Kevin Hopkinson's salary. We have funded 32 kilometres of fencing; 10.5 hectares of revegetation; 15 stock crossings and 7 watering points. These projects have made a really good start to help improve the water quality within the catchment. Kevin has done an excellent job in liaising with landholders and promoting the availability of funds for landholder's use. I hope that Kevin will be able to continue to work within our catchment.

We have purchased a 250 litre ute spray pack and 2 x 5 litre hand held spray units. These are available for anyone within the catchment to use.

I would like to thank Ryan Munroe and the City of Albany Bushcarers who have been very supportive of the Torbay Catchment work in Watsonia spraying and woody weed control. The City's support is much appreciated and vital to our success.

The Watershed Torbay Newsletter has been a great success and seems to be read by the majority of the residents. Louise Duxbury is doing a marvelous job with her skills in public relations and in the production of the newsletter.

Finally, many thanks must go to Dale Holley in her role as Secretary and Graeme Heighton as Treasurer who both have done a valiant job and been most helpful and supportive throughout the year.

Andrew Marshall
CHAIRPERSON