1. Welcome, attendance and apologies

   ATTENDANCES: Phil Mellon, Terri Harwood, Des Wolfe, Maurice McCormick, Andrew Marshall, Adrian Stratico, Kirsten Murray and Graeme Heighton.

   APOLOGIES: Phillip Marshall and Chris Westcott. Karen McKeogh and Basil Schurr arrived at 8pm.

2. Confirmation of previous minutes and matters arising

   Andrew Marshall and seconded by Maurice McCormick

   Matters arising:

   • No matters arising.

3. Correspondence and matters arising:

   Incoming:

   • Brochures advertising the "Monks of Tibet" workshops
   • Land and Water Australia: Thinking Bush, Branching Out booklet
   • RJ & GF Kratochvill: re future intention to engage in ongoing conservation works on their property, interest in finding out about funding opportunities and request for assistance for future projects.
     Action: Terri to reply.

   Outgoing:

   • Nil

4. Financial Report

   4.1 Treasurer's Report

   4.1.1 Cash Management Account: $169,595.67
   4.1.2 Cheques Expenditure:
   • 172: $ 386.10 for Bamboo canes
   • 173: $303.33 for chemicals
   • 174: $30.00 for hall hire
   4.1.3 Cheque Account: $62.68

   Graeme attempted to rationalise the MYOB jobs list with no success at present. He will continue to work on this with Wendy for next meeting.

   Phil reported on the progress of interest rate issues. Discussions are ongoing. The bank has offered $3000 which is at least half the amount the group has calculated is owed.

   Treasurer's report accepted by Des Wolfe and seconded by Andrew Marshall

5. Staff Reports:

   5.1 Project Officer: Kirsten Murray

   Organised and attended Weed Removal Busy Bee at Torbay Hall. Kirsten acknowledged assistance from Peter Stewart and the Bush Carer's group. Woody weed removal in Torbay is part of the restoration plan.

   Westnet Rail agreed to pay for a weed eradication contractor in areas of their responsibility.

   Attended River Conference in Perth for all NRM members. South Coast were very active by comparison with other participants.

   Attended final day workshops of the Coastal Conference in Denmark.

   Toured catchment with Phil to assess Watsonia weed control. Thanks to the City of Albany and Justice Department staff and clients and Chris Westcott for his efforts.

   Water Corp successfully sprayed Watsonia in the town reserve.

6. General Business:

   6.1 Weed report:

   Weed report : As above

   Phil suggested we target a particular street or area in 2008. Kirsten suggested seeking cooperation from local landowners to tackle Taylorina or Sydney Wattle.

   6.2 Denmark Rail Trails:

   Basil Schur supplied information about Rail Trails of Victoria and information about the Denmark Nornalup Heritage Rail Trail. Greenskills has for 15 years been developing the trail with most of the work being completed in past 5 years.

   Action: Karen to contact Ally Bishop of City of Albany to find any preliminary work done on the rail trail from Elleker to Denmark

   6.3 Twinning update:

   No further progress. Maurice notified the meeting of a Catalyst program featuring the Fitzroy River. Karen will supply the DVD for members to view. Fish may be a good "link" between the two groups. A meeting is planned for early December. The Cultural tour is planned for December 1st.

   6.4 Louise's PhD:

   Maurice notified the group that Louise Duxbury has achieved her PHD.

   Action: Terri to send a letter of congratulations with an invite to the Christmas party.

   6.5 Progress Association meeting Report:

   Terri reported on a meeting held by the Elleker Progress Association where a City of Albany representative attended to hear what residents want for their area. The meeting discussed the request from the community for signage to alert motorists to long neck tortoise in particular but wildlife in general crossing roads.

   Action: Terri to write to the city re this issue. The meeting wanted information regarding signage standards, permissions required and costings. The meeting also suggested duck crossing signs were required in Torbay particularly at each end of Grasmere- Elleker Rd and along Lower Denmark Rd.

   6.6 Best Management Practice Sheets:

   Four Best Management Practice Sheets have been produced along with a Material's and Services Directory.

   6.7 Coastal Conference:

   Maurice reported on attending the Coastal Conference in Denmark with Graeme Heighton. There was a very good speaker on Communities and how they have changed. Maurice has asked for a copy of the DVD so members can view.

Meeting close at 9.40 pm

Next Meetings:
General meeting: Wednesday 28 November 2007
Guest Speaker: Paul Close (CENRM): Results of PhD thesis on fish in Torbay Inlet
Christmas BBQ at Cosy Corner December 19 from 6pm