1. Welcome, attendance and apologies

   ATTENDANCES: Karen McKeough, Andrew Marshall, Maurice McCormick, Terri Harwood, Phil Mellon, Graeme Heighton, Adrian Stratico, John Blaney-Murphy, , Steve May, Patrick Weadon, Letisha Newman

   APOLOGIES: Louise Duxbury, Phillip Marshal, Chris Westcott

2. Minutes of the previous meeting and matters arising

   Minutes from the meeting 29th November 2006 were accepted as an accurate record of the meeting: Maurice Mc Cormick Seconded: Adrian Stratico

   Matters arising:

   • 6.3 Steve to determine rates for soil testing. Met with Simon Wilkinson from Summit re soil test subsidy of $80 if we have a group of 5-10 people. To be added to the agenda for next meeting. People to soil test after the Soil and fertiliser Workshop on February 7th.
   • Correction for minutes 29th November, Graeme Stratico was incorrectly noted as being present, however this was a typing mistake as there is no such member.

3. Correspondence:

   Incoming:

   • Wilson Tuckey congratulating the catchment group on winning the Environment and Landcare category of the Regional Achievement and Community Awards
   • City of Albany, Les Hewer re progress on Bridge NO 4689 Grassmere - Elleker Rd ("skinny" bridge).
   • City of Albany, Thanks for response to draft Albany Local Planning Strategy
   • Hon Mal Brough informing us our Volunteer small equipment grant submission was unsuccessful; however it is automatically being resubmitted for the next round in early 2007. They will be notifying successful applicants for this round in the first half of 2007.
   • Amanda Bigelow with copies of RiverConnect, the newsletter of the International Riverfoundation, issue 6, December 2006. The next symposium is to be held in Brisbane on 3-6th September, 2007 and there is a call for papers

   Outgoing:

   • Karen Mckeough wrote to the City of Albany outlining our response to the draft Albany Local Planning Strategy.
   • Karen McKeough to Elders Landmark, CSBP, Western Minerals and CRT, inviting corporate involvement with sustainable agriculture.

   Correspondence accepted by Andrew Marshall and Seconded by Maurice McCormack

4. Financial Report

   The Treasurer provided the finance report.

   Balance:

   Bank register
   000133 Tangleheads (Christmas Dinner): $688
   000134 Dianne Harwood: $75
   000135 Torbay Hall Committee for Weed Workshop:
   Cuppup Valley Seed Potatoes Cheque for onground works $2415.60 (awaiting verification from Steve)
   000136 Redline Bus company: $350
   Cheque received $2000 from Commonwealth

   The bank requires signatories to re present signatures and we need to include Vice President, John Blaney-Murphy.

   Also membership fees were received from Ian and Rosemary King who also offered assistance in writing of funding submissions.

   An application was received for funding of onground works by "Over the Moon Organics" (Dairy and Cheese maker)

   Finance Report accepted by Andrew Marshall and seconded by John Blaney-Murphy.

5. Staff Reports:

   5.1 Catchment Coordinator: Karen McKeough

   Nil to report

   5.2 Project Officer: Steve May

   Input/output report from David Weaver. Nil further to report.

6. 6. General Business:

   6.1 Letisha Newman:

   The group provided feedback on the previously emailed Marbellup Brook DWSPP Implementation Plan.

   6.2 Patrick Weadon:

   Patrick works with SCRIPT managing investments and contracts. SCRIPT has a contract with the D of W to manage the Estuary and Catchments' plans. The TCG raised their concerns about the SCRIPT funding guidelines and the "top down' approach being applied in Torbay. Patrick informed the group that in response to community group requests for guidelines, they were developed by a community stakeholder group which included "experts". He also stressed that there is room for variation and that the group should contact the various "experts" in the field to help build on their guidelines. The group discussed the guidelines and communications related to them.

   There was no resolution however it was generally agreed that we need to have more discussion with SCRIPT and D of W about our responsibilities and management of planned on ground works which are part of our River Restoration Plan.

   6.3 Fertigation proposal:

   John Bunn wishes to implement a plan where he utilises piggery waste on his hay paddock project. He has approached the group to discuss available funding opportunities. The group are to ask for further information from John.

   6.4 Twinning project Update:

   A meeting of 7 people discussed available information. The group is building up international contacts. A group of 3 to read EOI's for possible twinning. Geographically suitable regions were discussed. Africa, Indonesia, Living lakes, Geneva, Philipines, local and Kimberly's based indigenous communities and indigenous areas in other countries have been identified. Next meeting when more information available

   6.5 Bridge No 4689

   The meeting was given feedback from Les Hewer form the City of Albany re Bridge No 4689 (the "Skinny Bridge"). Repair work to maintain current load rating to commence soon. No decisions have been made on the future.

   6.6 Meeting closed

   There being no other business, the meeting was closed at 2140

Next Executive meeting 28th February 2007
First General Meeting 7th February, 2007