1. Welcome, attendance and apologies

   The Chairperson, John Blaney-Murphey welcomed those present to the meeting at 1940.

   ATTENDANCES: Karen McKeogh, Paul Close, Philip Marshall, Chris Westcott, Kirsten Murray, Terri Harwood and Graeme Heighton

   APOLOGIES: Phil Mellon, Andrew Marshall and Maurice Mc Cormick

2. Confirmation of previous minutes and matters arising

   Graeme Heighton and seconded by Terri Harwood

   Matters arising:

   • No matters arising.

3. Correspondence and matters arising:

   Incoming:

   • Invoice from CSBP for Soil Test Kits
   • Cheque from Department of Water ($55,000) being funding for on-ground works associated with the Implementation of the Torbay Catchment Restoration Plan
   • Email confirmation from Altiora Insurance of Public Liability Cover for 6 months
   • Confirmation from City of Albany of having received letter re Algal Bloom Signage
   • Lotterywest acknowledging our grant application re Community Histories project.

   Outgoing:

   • City of Albany re signage required warning of Algal Bloom
   • City of Albany re Application for Planning Approval - Extractive Industry, 770 Lower Denmark Road

   Correspondence accepted by Graeme Heighton and seconded by Phillip Marshall

4. Financial Report

   4.1 Treasurer's Report

   4.1.1 Cash Management Account: $161,261.09
   4.1.2 Cheques Expenditure:
   • 187: $176.00 for Audit 06/07
   • 188: $1606.00 to B Dixon
   • 189: $443.45 for seedlings (Bandicoot)
   4.1.3 Cheques inwards:
   • CR000050 calendar sales
   4.1.4 Cheque Account: $621.78

   Treasurer's report proposed by Graeme Heighton and seconded by Chris Westcott

5. Staff Reports:

   5.1 Catchment Coordinator: Karen McKeough

   • Investigating feasibility of a Rail Trails Project.
   • Assisting with Organisation of River Restoration Course for Dept of Water
   • Consultation re Water Corporation's expansion of dam at Tree Farm

   5.2 Project Officer: Kirsten Murray

   • Preparation of application for increase of rates for on-ground works.
   • Water Quality monitoring in Lake Powell
   • Site Visits to completed projects
   • Advising on Creek Crossings for farmers in Esperance
   • Creek Crossing booklets completed

6. General Business:

   6.1 Funding proposal re fish research project:

   Paul Close is proposing to apply for threatened species funding to study fish such as spotted, mud and trout minnows which are present in our catchment. The study will include four catchments and require us to pledge "in- kind" contribution of approximately 5-6 days within each catchment to assist.

   Phillip Marshall proposed and Graeme Heighton seconded that we support the project.

   6.2 Review of rural drainage practices:

   Department of Water have been looking at how drainage areas operate and what issues exist. The Chair of the TCG has been invited to attend a workshop in Busselton on April 1st. Anyone else is welcome to attend to participate in the discussions. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

   6.3 Wildlife Crossing signage:

   Kirsten and the group identified locations for Wildlife Crossing signage to be sent to City of Albany.

   6.4 Rail trail:

   The group discussed a proposal to apply for funding to complete a section of "rail trail" in our catchment. There will be a need for long term maintenance. Karen to investigate options. Phillip Marshall proposed we apply for a small grant to scope the project. Chris Westcott seconded the proposal and all agreed to discuss further at general meeting.

   6.5 Walk trail:

   John Blaney-Murphy discussed the potential of a "walk trail" in the vicinity of Lake Powell. Further investigation is required.

   6.6 Site visit :

   Kirsten reported on site visit to property of Richard Kratochvill and told the group of the conservation project requiring fencing and infill planting to restore an area. Chris Westcott proposed we support the project and seconded by Phillip. All present agreed the project would have a positive environmental effect.

   6.7 River Foundation conference:

   It was reported that Maurice is no longer able to attend the River Foundation conference on 31st March.

   6.8 General meetings:

   The meeting was reminded to keep "business" to a minimum at general meetings.

   6.9 Weed eradication:

   The bushcarers team has been successful with their weed eradication program. Kirsten to find out more detail and then the group will formally acknowledge their work.

   6.10 Noongar Wetlands Workshop:

   Karen reminded the group about the Noongar Wetlands Workshop on Thursday 20th March. Contact the Centre for Sustainable Living.

   6.11 Fencing Workshop:

   Wilson Inlet and the Torbay Catchment Group are holding a Fencing Workshop. Please contact Karen or Kirsten if interested in attending.

Meeting close at 9.30 pm

Next Meetings:
General meeting: Wednesday 7th May, 2008
Executive meeting: Wednesday 16th April, 2008