Presentation by Dr Barbara Cook

MEETING

1. Welcome, attendance and apologies:

   Present: Kirsten Murray, John Blaney-Murphy, Maurice McCormick, Andrew Marshall, Chris Westcott, Charlie Gilbert, Phillip Mellon, Graeme Heighton, Karen McKeough

   Apologies: Des Wolfe, Phillip Marshall, Terri Harwood

2. Confirmation of previous minutes and matters arising:

   Minutes of the previous General meeting 26 March 2008, were circulated prior to the meeting. Matters arising:

   • Wildlife crossing signs have now been erected. Kirsten to write letter of thanks to CoA
   • Clean up Australia day - names of helpers listed incorrectly - should be Ray & Trudy Smith, not Kay & Trudy Brown
   • IRF visit to Torbay. Maurice was interviewed by Silvia for new book to be published by IRF. Phil escorted Silvia and Kerry (photographer) around local scenic spots for photo opportunities. Thanks to Andrew & Liz for hosting meal on Friday night.

3. Correspondence and matters arising:

   3.1 Inwards

   • River Symposium organisers - response to Maurice's letter.
   • Kevin Beal - returned signed contract
   • NAB - Bank Statement
   • Summit Fertilisers - newsletter
   • IRF - Invitation to attend Riversymposium (2 complimentary registrations)
   • Lotterywest - acknowledgement of receival of funding application (Rail Trail)
   • City of Albany - Response to submission re: proposed gravel pit 770 LD Rd

   3.2 Outwards

   • None

   Motion: Correspondence be accepted - Moved: Maurice Seconded: Chris

4. Financial Report:

   4.1 Treasurer's Report

   Detailed report submitted. Balance of Cash Management Account $207,500.38

   Motion: Financial report be accepted - Moved: Graeme Seconded: Andrew

5. Staff reports:

   5.1 Catchment Coord: Karen McKeough:

   Attended State NRM conference; River restoration training; SCNRM reporting, Torbay project has extension to Dec 08 - in that time, plan needs to be reviewed and new project prepared. From July - Dec, reduction in staff to 1 FTE; Torbay Inlet foreshore survey; preparations for next newsletter and 2007 report card.

   5.2 Project Officer: Kirsten Murray:

   Attended State NRM conference, River restoration training, Torbay Inlet foreshore survey, On-ground projects, Perennials site visits with Ron Master, Perennials & Soils training, proposed new perennial trial at Kevin Beals property - three plots:

   1. Mix of summer active & winter active tall fescue (8ha)
   2. Summer active tall fescue (2.5ha)
   3. Chicory (2.5ha)
   Kevin keen to participate in field days etc. Contractual obligations need to be clear

6. General Business:

   6.1 Twinnings

   6.1.1 Update on contact with local Noongar people
   Phil has talked to Harley Coyne, DIA - positive response, elders have looked at catchment plan, meeting again on May 23

   6.1.2 Progress on planned visit to Jarlmadangah community
   Possibility of linking visit to Kimberley with Dr Mary-Anne Jebb's visit in July - possibly 22-24 July. Be good to undertake Cross-cultural training prior to heading north.
   Karen to investigate

   6.2 Threatened Species Grant
   Paul Close will be completing the application. Torbay will be the proponents of the project. No additional work required, just need to hold the money. Paul will complete all reporting and administrative requirements.

   6.3 Frequency and format of Catchment meetings
   Discussion on how we can make the general meetings more streamlined.
   Executive meetings - just for business
   General meetings - table results of exec., list correspondence and financial reports and staff reports - to be circulated at meeting or prior. Not to be discussed unless there is an issue. This will allow more time for general discussions and focus on the speaker.

   6.4 General Business
   Land & Water Australia released a new document on the Watershed Torbay project. Available on Torbay website or from Karen.

Meeting close at 10:10 pm

Next meeting:
Executive Meeting: 28th May, 2008
General Meeting: 18th June, 2008