MEETING OPENED by Andrew Marshall (President) at 19.35.

Present:

Andrew Marshall (President), Graeme Heighton (Treasurer), Phil Mellon, Lionel Downes, Noel Bignell, John Blaney-Murphy, Ron Master (DofA), Peter Collins (DCLM), Phillip Marshall, Graham Wright (Water Corp), Dale Holley (Secretary).

Apologies:

David Rushton (Dept of E), Chris Westcott, Louise Duxbury (GS).

1. Minutes of previous meeting:

   Minutes were confirmed by Phil Mellon and seconded by Graeme Heighton.

   Matters arising from Minutes:

   1. 5.4 There is still chemical available for blackberry control at no cost to the farmer. This can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture.

   2. 5.1 All the computers have now been sold, with bits and pieces to possibly make one more. Phil Mellon handed over $480.00 being the final payment of money raised. Andrew Marshall thanked Phil on behalf of the Torbay Catchment Group for all he has done in acquiring the computers and the time he has spent checking their running order.

   3. 5.5 The Envirofund agreement has been signed. We should hear on this shortly.

   4. 5.6 Following the Soil and Fertilizer Day workshop held on the 21st January, 2004, John Grant (hydrologist from the Department of Agriculture) has visited 8 or 9 catchment properties for soil sampling with approximately 10 or so more to do. The day was reported as being successful and an article is being compiled for the Advertiser, SCRIPT and our newsletter.

   5. 5.2 Lake Powell - Regarding the request for a car bay. Only improvements of a necessary nature can be undertaken by DCLM and a car bay would not fit in to that category. Other alternatives are being looked into with discussions continuing.
      • Also regarding Lake Powell - Peter Collins discussed a letter of reply from DCLM regarding the TCG's request for a Management Plan for Lake Powell Nature Reserve (this letter should be received in the next day or so) "The Department of Conservation and Land Management will be commencing the process of preparing an Albany Coastal Reserves Management Plan in 2004 and the Lake Powell Nature Reserve will most likely be included in this plan. However, this process will take a considerable time. A set of Interim Management Guidelines for LPNR can be prepared in a shorter time frame to address some of the immediate management concerns raised. DCLM is happy for their Planning Officer to attend one of our meetings and in addition, staff from DCLM will draft an IMG to address the immediate terrestrial management needs"
      • While on the subject of Lake Powell the Meeting discussed the difficulties being experienced gaining access to the bird hide, due to the slightly higher water levels. A walk way or over-pass was discussed and costings and possible funding will be looked into. An interpretive sign could also be erected describing the local birds.

2. Correspondence:

   None

3. Treasurer's Report:

   Read to the Meeting and a copy is enclosed. Phil Mellon accepted the treasurer's report and seconded by John Blaney-Murphy.

4. General Business:

   4.1 Spatial Mapping
   Maurice McCormick and Andrew Marshall will get together to discuss spatial mapping in horticultural areas and will report back to the next meeting.

   4.2 Communications
   Louise is requesting newsletter articles for the February addition of our Newsletter. A few suggestions made as possible articles were: 1. A description of how to get to the Lake Powell Bird Hide. 2. Approach Ann Bondin as a representative of the Bird Group to compile an article .

   4.3 Fertilizer and Soil Day
   A collation of the results taken from the soil sampling following the workshop could be organised and a day planned for a workshop to swap notes on the results. This topic to be brought up at next meeting.

   4.4 Catchment Bus Tour
   A circular will be sent out with the final itinerary and details of the bus tour booked for 7.3.04 starting at 10.00am. Meeting at the Elleker Hall (bring a packed lunch). The Bird Hide, Tree Farm, Chip Mill, Marshall's Wetland and Green Corp fencing and crossings suggested spots to visit. RSVP Ron Master 98928444 or Dave Rushton 98410108

   4.5 Other business
   The Centre of Excellence is organising a Forum on Nutrient Management, aiming primarily at researchers and government agencies. A date has not yet been set but the forum will be held over a period of two days. A representative from the TCG would be advantageous.

   • Landcare Conference - Sustainable agriculture in the Albany hinterland area - 1/4/04 Contact Ron Master 98928444
   • The bar will be opened tomorrow am
   • Following the closure of the Brookdale Sewerage Plant, effluent had to be disposed of in a different location until the new sewerage plant was in operation. Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and Albany were sites nominated to carry the effluent until the new plant was operational. The TCG nominated John Blaney-Murphy to follow up the latest developments by arranging an appointment with Peter Watson.
   • Bridge repair Elleker Grasmere Rd - Further to enquiries made regarding bridge 4689 back in May 2003, Phil Mellon will be looking into the latest plans for repair or replacement of this bridge.
   • It was recently reported to police that someone took three shots at young people travelling down the river in Elleker. Anyone hearing or seeing anything relevant are asked to contact the Albany police.

MEETING CLOSED 9.40pm