Wednesday 24 May, 2006 at 7.00 pm
ATTENDANCES: Not taken
APOLOGIES: Pauline Irving (resigned)
Moved: Maurice McCormick
Seconded : Andrew Marshall
Outgoing
Incoming
4.1 Treasurer's Report: Tabled by Graeme Heighton. Accepted by Maurice McCormick, Seconded by Phillip Marshall
4.2 New membership: none
5.1 nominations for new secretary
No nominations to replace the past secretary, who was forced to resign for health reasons. Phil Mellon asked if we could advertise in the paper for a volunteer secretary. It was agreed that this was a good idea. Steve mentioned that we should send Pauline a thank you letter for the work she has done with the group
Action: Steve or Karen to organise an advertisement
Action : Phil to write a thank you letter on behalf of the group
Business arising
5.3 Structures on Water Corp drains that need replacing
Steve spoke to Graham Wright on the phone following the TCG request for more information on when the WC would remove and/or replace structures used for private purposes. Graham indicated to Steve that there are times when this may be done, for instance if it involves road access. Adrian Stratico (WC) noted that this was not his understanding of the situation. Louise Duxbury said it would be a good idea to put this information in the newsletter
Action: Steve to contact Graham to confirm the reasons when WC would replace structures (as this was done informally over the phone) and give to Louise.
? mentioned that we should invite Graham Wright to the next meeting to discuss the issue of replacing structures, the situation with the plug
5.4 Bar opening
Karen/Adrian? Noted that there was a second bar opening that some in the group weren't aware of. Karen thought that she had send the email around but would double check.
5.5 North Creek Drain Proposal
Karen noted that she had met with Phil Redden, Chris Westcott and Graham Wright. The contract has been signed by the proponents. AD contractors have not yet finished the rock on and around the bund, it is now too wet and they will not be able to get on until summer. Chris Westcott noted that it is not yet fully working.
5.6 Focus Groups
Louise noted that the focus groups are going well, especially the random nature of the calls/participants. She also noted that it highlights flaws in our mailing list where some people on the list live in adjacent catchments. The smaller landowners wish to run have workshops in the Cuthbert and Pool Rd area that will help them manage their land. The larger landowners were interested in focus groups where they can exchange farm business and other knowledge. The focus group transcripts are currently being transcribed.
5.7 Weed control
Phil Mellon noted that watsonia was popping up again and that we need to organise the spraying along road verges. There is also Typha and Watsonia spreading at Barnetts Meadow and Crab apple near the inlet.
Action: Steve to speak to Sandra from the City of Albany and organise the Dalapond? for the Watsonia control. Steve to investigate the Crab apple.
5.8 Marbelup Brook Protection Plan
Chris Gunby mentioned that a media release was put out for the protection plan. A draft plan should be finished by June, with release to the public in July.
Monitoring is also being done by SCRIPT on the impact of Bluegum plantations. The Dept. of Environment has highlighted Marbelup as a good research site. They should be asking a TCG member to be on a steering group if this goes ahead.
Phil Mellon noted that Pat Sanderson sent an him an email on the level of pesticides from plantation spraying. Phil asked Chris about EPA assessments and aerial spraying. Chris noted that the EPA can only evaluate defined proposals. A statewide study would be a more appropriate way to deal with the issue of aerial spraying over bluegums.
5.9.1 Albany Agricultural Show
Steve noted the outcomes of the meeting between NRM people in Albany to share a tent at the Albany Show. He asked if the group would like to be involved in this project, it may involve a minor cost if the Govt. agencies cannot cover it all.
Motion accepted by Maurice McCormick. Seconded by Andrew Marshall
5.9.2 NRM and Land use planning
Chris Gunby mentioned that if anyone has concerns relating to landuse planning that they should contact himself or Marisa at the Dept. of Environment as local knowledge is crucial.
Maurice said that we need to kept informed about subdivisions occurring in the catchment. Des Wolfe noted that all applications are advertised in the local press
Meeting ends: approx 9:30pm