Wednesday September 26 2007 at 7.30 pm
ATTENDANCES: John Blaney-Murphy, Graeme Heighton, Phillip Marshall, Maurice McCormick, Andrew Marshall, Karen McKeough, Kirsten Murray.
APOLOGIES: Chris Westcott, Phil Mellon, Justin Bellanger (SCNRM)
Minutes from the previous executive meeting, 15 August 2007, were circulated prior to the meeting.
The minutes were accepted as a true record of the meeting.
Moved: Maurice Seconded: Andrew
Matters arising:
Incoming:
Outgoing:
Correspondence accepted by Andrew Marshall and Seconded by Chris Westcott
4.1 Treasurer's Report
Cheque account: Current balance $9,772.48
less unpresented cheques $5,606.10.
Final balance $4,166.38
Cash Management Account: Current balance $162,793.82
The financial report be accepted.
Moved: Phillip Seconded: Andrew
5.1 Catchment Coordinator: Karen McKeough
Lotteries grant application for community history book; WA Landcare award application; finalising corrections on BMP sheets; organising agroforestry field day; Rail Trails research; attending Riversymposium
5.2 Project Officer: Kirsten Murray
BMP drainage demonstration site (Paul Anderson - Wilson Catchment); Meeting with Roy Spurr - Westnet Rail re: weed control in rail reserve; Agroforestry field day; Torbay Hall weed plan
6.1 River Symposium report:
Maurice and Karen attended the River Symposium in Brisbane in early September. They attended the conference for 4 days, the Riverprize dinner where they gave a short speech on what the catchment group has been doing in the last year since winning the Riverprize in 2006. Maurice attended a tour of the Tweed catchment, organised through the conference.The conference was a great experience - 800 delegates from 57 countries. Lots to learn and share from all. Meeting with previous Riverprize winners and twinners was a great opportunity and an encouragement to pursue our own twinning opportunity.
Winners this year:
National - NSW Murray Wetlands Working Group
International -International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River
6.2 Twinning update:
After the foundation being laid by Dr Maryanne Jebb, phone contact has been made with the Jarlmadangah community. Karen had a long and encouraging conversation with Anthony Watson (chairman), in which he invited us to their 20th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of the community (Oct 1). However, the invitation was quite short notice and coincided with a busy time for the Marshall's and with Louise Duxbury and Phil Mellon being away. It is hoped that a visit can be arranged before the end of the year.
6.3 Rail Trail:
Karen has been in touch with Greenskills who have been very helpful with additional contacts and support. Basil Schur will attend next Executive meeting to discuss the matter further. Contact has also been made with Rail Trails Australia, who have plenty of advice and information to support groups who are constructing trails. The Munda Biddi trail (same as the Bibbulman Track, but for mountain bikes), is progressing along the south coast, and they are another group that we will liaise with.
6.4 Weed activity report:
Corrective services crew and City of Albany Bushcarers team has commenced roadside spraying. Westnet Rail have committed to do additional spraying, by engaging a contractor, (beyond the standard 8m each side of the track) of Watsonia and control of woody weeds (Taylorina, Golden Wattle) along the rail reserve between Elleker and South Coast Highway. These patches of weeds exist within a good coverage of native vegetation, so there is a good opportunity for restoration. APEC (woodchip mill) have expressed concern about woody weeds in the rail reserve near the mill. Westnet rail to work cooperatively with APEC on the matter.Kirsten developing a weed action plan around the Torbay Hall. Work in partnership with the City of Albany and Water Corporation. Community busy bee & BBQ to be planned. Site will require seed collection and revegetation next winter.
6.5 Albany Green Stage 2:
The application to the City of Albany by Godiniland developers for a scheme amendment to rezone land zoned rural to special rural, has been rejected by the City. The rezoning would have permitted the second stage of Albany Green, which is currently being developed. It is likely that the developers will resubmit with an amended design.
6.6 Other business:
- Attendance at Coastal Conference: Denmark is hosting the state coastal conference 30 Oct - 2 Nov. The organising committee are sponsoring community organisations to attend. Karen will apply for two places for committee members to attend.
- John Blaney-Murphy will be away for next meeting, need a volunteer to chair next meeting.
- John mentioned a book being launched on history of railway from Elleker to Nornalup. May be interesting given intention to develop Rail Trail.
- Andrew mentioned the Torbay, Bornholm and Youngs Siding Fire Brigades are holding a fire awareness day, 28 November. Does the TCG want to be involved? Prepare a display for use on new display boards.
- Maurice & Karen requested reimbursement of accommodation expenses incurred during attendance at Riversymposium. All present agreed to full reimbursement.
Meeting close at 9.20 pm
Next Meetings:
Ordinary meeting: Wednesday 17 October 2007
Guest Speaker: Tracy Calvert (DoW): Results of monitoring from Marshall's Wetland
Executive Meeting: Wednesday 7 November 2007