Presentation

MEETING

1. Welcome, attendance and apologies:

   Phil Mellon chaired the meeting and welcomed Jim Allen, Karen McKeough, Des Wolfe, Phillip Marshall, Graeme Heighton, Andrew Marshall, Terri Harwood, Maurice McCormick, Charlie Gilbert, Glen and Mike Scott, Olive White, John Blaney-Murphy and Kirsten Murray, to the meeting and accepted apologies from Janet Allen

2. Matters arising from the previous meeting:

   Mar 5th Executive Meeting Matters Arising: Phil asked about the letter relating to Algal Bloom Signage. Karen reported that neither the City of Albany nor the Dept of Health are keen to erect signage and is investigating further with the Department of Conservation.

   Feb 13th General meeting: Phil asked if anyone was able to attend the RiverPrize meeting in Maurice's place.

   Minutes of both the Executive meeting 5th March and the General Meeting February 13th were confirmed by Maurice McCormick and seconded by Des Wolfe.

3. Correspondence and matters arising:

   3.1 Inwards

   • RiverConnect newsletter (March 2008)
   • 2 responses to the letters to priority landholders (see outwards mail)

   3.2 Outwards

   • 30 - 40 letters to Priority landholders in Marbellup Drinking Water Catchment offering assistance with fencing.

   Correspondence accepted by Graeme Heighton and seconded by Des Wolfe

4. Financial Report:

   4.1 Treasurer's Report

   Cash Management Account:$216,261.09
   Cheque Account: $1589.98

   Graeme moved that report be accepted and seconded by Maurice McCormick

5. Staff reports:

   5.1 Catchment Coord: Karen McKeough:

   • Organised River Restoration course.
   • Completion of rail trail Application
   • Attended Noongar wetlands Day with John- Blaney Murphy
   • Reported on Federal Government Announcement re ongoing NRM funding which will mean current land care programs will continue via the South Coast NRM and the longer term funding will make projects more sustainable. It is envisaged that Torbay Catchment will have 1 Full Time Equivalent staff member after June to end of December.
   • ECU project staff has submitted to Department of Water their draft report on Environmental Water Requirements for Marbellup Brook. Suggested we invite them to the next general Meeting to recommend on our drainage issues.
   • Reported on extractive industries, quarry site at 770 Lower Denmark Road. The City of Albany has requested an environmental report.

   5.2 Project Officer: Kirsten Murray:

   • Worked at Paul Anderson's property demonstration site
   • Contacted Marbellup residents re the higher rates available for on ground work.

6. General Business:

   6.1 Rail Trail Grant Application
   Karen reported that she has prepared an application to fund a company to "scope" a rail trail project in the catchment. The trail would follow the old railway line and be available for people to walk, bicycle or ride on. She has had discussions with City of Albany and rep from the Mundrabiddy Trail Alignment project. DEC will conduct community consultations if the project commences.
   Action: The meeting endorsed the submission of the grant application

   6.2 International River Foundation visit
   Representative of the above will be visiting on 4th and 5th April. Maurice and Andrew will meet with them. Representatives from the Maroochydore Catchment will visit on April 4th.
   Action: All invited, contact Andrew if available

   6.3 Clean Up Australia
   Phil thanked Margaret and John Blaney-Murphy for coordinating the local effort. John thanked the Mellon family and friends for their assistance on Elleker-Grasmere Rd and Kay and Trudy Brown and Wendy Minchin for Marbellup to Wilge Rds. They collected 36 bags and tyres which is the same volume as last year.

   6.4 5 Mile Creek
   Jim Allan reported a reduction of water flowing from 5 Mile Creek into drains through his property.
   Action: Karen to follow up

   6.5 Weed removal
   Phillip Marshall reported that the Barrett's Meadows Block, corner Hunwick Rd and South Coast Highway requires weed removal and suggested we invite a weed mgt officer to a future meeting.
   Action: Kirsten to add to the TCG spring eradication program

   6.6 Catchment Report Card
   Phil asked re progress of Catchment Report Card. Karen reported that it would be published in May

   6.7 Interest rates
   Des asked if the Treasurer had checked interest rates and reported the City of Albany had found Bendigo Bank (8.05%) was offering the best rates at present. It was unclear as to bank charges. Graeme to follow up but the meeting acknowledged that at present the finance market was volatile so it may be best to leave funds where they were

Phillip closed the meeting at 9.10 pm.

Next meeting:
Executive: Wednesday April 16th
General: Wednesday May 7th