Presentation

MEETING

1. Welcome, attendance and apologies:

   ATTENDANCES:
   John Blaney - Murphy chaired the meeting in the absence of Phil Mellon and welcomed Jim and Jan Allen, Louise Duxbury, Karen McKeough, David Read, Des Wolfe, Chris Westcott, Phillip Marshall, Graeme Heighton, Andrew and Liz Marshall, Terri Harwood, Maurice McCormick, Sandra Swain, Carl, Kevin and Sue Graham and Kirsten Murray, to the meeting and accepted apologies from Noel Chambers and Phil Mellon.

2. Matters arising from the previous meeting:

   Nov 28th Matters Arising: Karen confirmed she had followed up on the Brick Works and queried if it was still operational. Des Wolfe will follow up and report back next meeting.

   Nov 28th 6.4: Karen updated the meeting on the progress of Granite Quarry (Meanwood and Thomas Rds). Des reported that the City of Albany has requested an Environmental Report which will be made public.

   Minutes were confirmed by Maurice McCormick and seconded by Des Wolfe

3. Correspondence and matters arising:

   3.1 Inwards

   • Invitation to attend an Agricultural Biodynamic Workshop conducted by Cheryl Kemp, a Biodynamic consultant from the UK on Sat March 8th at Margaret Davey's property, Baker's Junction. This workshop is free of charge. Please contact Margaret on 98443508.
   • WA Landcare Awards Coordinator: Thanking us for our application however we were unsuccessful
   • National Australia Bank finalising our ongoing queries related to unpaid interest on our bank accounts and offering us $3000.
   • Allison Bishop, City of Albany: Acknowledging our communication with her.
   • Les Hewer: re City of Albany's offer to provide signage re Wildlife Crossing local roads.
   • Allison Bishop: Thanking us for comments in relation to the Cosy Corner Draft Management Plan.
   • Environment and Conservation News: Oct-Nov and Dec 2007.
   • Summit Fertiliser's Fertilizer News Summer 2007.
   • Department of Consumer and Employment Protection's Associations Info Issue 2, December 2007.

   3.2 Outwards

   • Email to National Australia Bank's Charles Coy accepting the $3000 interest payments and terms of our current deposit account

   Correspondence accepted by Andrew Marshall and seconded by Jim Allen

4. Financial Report:

   4.1 Treasurer's Report Graeme moved that report be accepted and seconded by Maurice McCormick

5. Staff reports:

   5.1 Project Officer: Kirsten Murray:

   • Green corps team has fenced 1.2 kms of Water Corp drains
   • BMP Site, Stanley Rd earthworks commenced and ? planting to start in June
   • Dixon Drainage project was visited by Austin Rogerson who advised on project.
   • Crossing Creeks booklet completed and currently with the printers.
   • Ron Masters has visited sites to advise on establishing Perennial pastures.
   • Application sent to South Coast NRM with higher funding rates for fencing in Marbellup Creek area.
   • Attended Dieback training with City of Albany
   • Attended and assisted with organisation of the Fertiliser and Soils Field Day
   • Land Holder Site visits.

   5.2 Catchment Coord: Karen McKeough:

   • Reports and Application for 6 months extension to current funding contract with SCNRM ready for meeting on Thursday am.
   • Application for Lotteries funding to produce a book on history of noongar and non indigenous people in the catchment.
   • Soils and Fertiliser Workshop Tuesday 12th. Negotiated with CSBP for $80 discount on soil test Kits. There are a few extra kits so people can contact Karen if they wish to soil test but were unable to attend the workshop.
   • Preparation of Newsletter ready for mail out next week.

6. General Business:

   6.1 Wildlife Signage
   Kirsten to prepare map for confirmation at executive meeting March 5th.

   6.2 NRM Conference and River heroes Forum
   Maurice is attending on March 31 and returning to Albany on 1st April. If anyone wishes to travel with him and attend conference / forum, please call him. Karen and Kirsten will also be attending.

   6.3 Lotteries Grant re book
   Quote obtained for production and printing of 1000 books. In principle support obtained from indigenous affairs.

   6.4 Marbellup Brook Intensive Water Monitoring Program
   Water is undertaking an intensive water quality monitoring program upstream and downstream of the Marbellup Plug. The Water Corporation has agreed to keep the plug open during the low-flow period over summer when algal blooms are most common. The program will continue over several months and will hopefully clarify whether it is advantageous for improved water quality to keep the plug open over the summer months.

   6.5 Gravel is to be extracted from Gary Higgins property in Cuthbert
   The meeting was asked if anyone could clarify what is happening at this site. Landholders have apparently been notified..

   Action: Des will investigate further if matter comes before the Council. Karen will investigate further on behalf of the group.

   6.6 Maurice attended Rivers Symposium in 2007
   He recently wrote them a letter re a suggestion to involve youth (15 - 17 year olds) by offering a prize for environmental actions. Executive could also discuss how the catchment group could involve youth in our activities. Scholarships for University Studies was a suggestion

   6.7 Algal Bloom in Lake Powell
   Dept of Water has developed an intensive weekly water quality testing program at 7 locations (see above 6.4).

   Action: Karen to investigate additional signage warning of toxic blooms in Lake Powell. Near the Bird Hide was one suggested location.

   6.8 Clean Up Australia
   Clean Up Australia weekend is 1st and 2nd March, however Marg and John Blaney-Murphy are coordinating the effort for Torbay on the following weekend on Sunday 9th. Please contact John and Marg if you can assist.

   6.9 Noongar Cultural wetlands Tour
   Greenskills are organising a Noongar Cultural wetlands Tour on Thursday 20th March at 0825 to 1700. Please RSVP on 98481019 or bschur@greenskills.org.au by 10th March. Meet at Centre for Sustainable Living in Denmark and it will be $15 plus an extra amount if having the barbecue on the day.

   6.10 Eco toilet
   Des reported that City of Albany staff had designed an eco toilet and recently won an award for same. It is a stand alone composting toilet that collects its own water.

   6.11 John Blaney-Murphy congratulated Des on being elected Deputy Mayor

John closed the meeting at 9.30 pm

Next meeting:
Executive: Wednesday March 5th
General: Wednesday March 26th