MEETING OPENED by Andrew Marshall (President) 7.30pm.

Present:

Andrew Marshall (President), Des Wolfe, John Blaney-Murphy, Maurice McCormick (Vice President), John Kratochvill, Monty Walker, Ronald Master (Dept Ag), Phillip Marshall, Chris Westcott, Graham Wright (Water Corp). Dave Rushton (Dept of Environment), John Moore (Dept of Ag), Phil Mellon, Dale Holley (Secretary), Graeme Heighton (Treasurer).

Apologies:

Louise Duxbury (GS), Terri Harwood, Melissa Vernon, David Elphick, Peter Collins (CALM), Kim Doohan

1. Minutes of previous meeting:

   The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed on the motion of John Blaney-Murphy and Chris Westcott

2. Matters arising:

   Confirmation of communication with Chris Robinson regarding Marbellup Nature Reserve field walk. Thanking Chris for turning up on such a bad day. Arrangements will be made for hopefully a better day.

   Lake Powell Workshop went very well. Also the field day went well. The next step is to investigate some of the pasture types. There is plenty of interest in the lower catchment, but we need the upper catchment to be involved (only a small area is needed for trial pasture). The aim is to obtain funding for up to 50 hectares of perennial pasture over the next year.

3. Correspondence:

   OUTWARDS:

   (1) 3rd November, 2003 to Brett Joynes, Executive Director of Works and Services, Albany City Council, requesting a car bay be added on the Lower Denmark Road near Lake Powell. Residents have complained of the danger to traffic when visitors have been stopping to take photographs.
   (2) 3rd November, 2003 to Wendy Wason thanking her for auditing the Torbay Catchment Group's books.

   INWARDS:

   (1) 30th September, 2003 from Paul Beattie, Albany Job Futures informing the TCG of the proposal of works to be included in the forthcoming Green Corps activity. This will focus mainly on weed management along the eastern foreshore of the inlet mouth and eastern bank of the lower section of Marbellup Creek. Additionally they intend to do maintenance work on the beach access track of the inlet.

   Maurice McCormick moved the correspondence inwards and outwards be accepted.

4. Matters arising from correspondence:

   A letter of endorsement to be sent to Paul Beattie, Job Futures.

5. Treasurer's Report:

   Report was read to the meeting. Wendy has completed auditing. Graeme Heighton suggested we pay Wendy $25.00. John Blaney-Murphy moved the motion and Des Wolfe seconded.
   Balance to date is $48,600. Treasurers report attached.

   Treasurers report accepted by Des Wolfe and seconded by Chris Westcott

6. General Business:

   6.1 Fundraising - raffle
   1,500 tickets printed and 645 sold at $2.00 a ticket. Cost to us $226.00 made up of $120 printing, $71.00 advertising, $35.00 license. We made $1,064.00. Maurice McCormick moved we pay Phil Mellon $25.00 for phone calls, seconded Graeme Heighton.

   6.1.1 Computer sales
   Phil Mellon was thanked for his part in acquiring 9 computers. CSBP are rolling over 9 computers for new technology. CSBP are donating the computers to the TCG to sell to raise money for the Group. Setting the price at $100.00 a computer. Andrew Marshall and Monty walker will be accepting the donation on Friday.

   6.2 Blackberry control
   John Moore (Ag Dept) addressed the meeting regarding blackberry control. Last year 12 months funding was obtained from NHT for the control of blackberries. This will run out in December, 03. Two areas were targeted - Porongurups and Marbellup Brook. Chemicals are also available for landowners. Enough chemical will be supplied for a 3 year follow-up spray. An article is to be put in the Newsletter regarding blackberry awareness.

   6.3 Risk Management
   Ron Master (Dept of Ag) On 14th November and 25th November, '03, consultations will continue to discuss the South Coast Regions Natural Resource Management. Ron urged the TCG to participate. Following consultation a draft document will be compiled and another round of consultations will be held in March 2004, the document will then go to the Federal Government . If accredited the money will then start to flow to the region to target areas of concern. All funding will be through SCRIPT. Maurice, Andrew and John will represent the Group.

   6.4 Lake Powell Workshop
   The workshop went well. It is planned to have 20 sites across the catchment to sample and collect data. This is another way to keep an eye on the water quality in the catchment. The aim is to include as many people as possible to participate in the project.
   Louise Duxbury will be asked to discuss Lake Powell at the next meeting.

   6.5 Future events
   A thankyou barbeque lunch will be held at Cosy Corner 7.12.03 for those who have helped during the year.
   27.11.03 2-4pm Marbellup Nature Reserve field walk
   No date set yet for fox baiting - Monty has had a slow response so far.

   6.6 Other
   Our newsletter is being well received.
   There was discussion regarding the affect the large amount of rain has had on Lake Powell. There has been good flushing. Lake Powell seemed clean after the big down pour. Cleaning of drains was also discussed.
   An incident which occurred recently was also brought to the attention of the Meeting. An Albany man was being prosecuted by CALM for cutting off the limb of a neighbours tree that was hanging over his property. The Group showed surprise at this outcome

MEETING CLOSED 9.50pm

NEXT MEETING 10th December, 2003 Elleker Hall 7.30pm