MEETING

1. Welcome, attendance and apologies:

   Phil Mellon welcomed members to the meeting.

   Present: Phillip Marshall, Andrew Marshall, Graeme Heighton, Phil Mellon, Terri Harwood, Maurice McCormick, Murray Bennett, Jan Bennett, David Hill, Paul Wood, John Blaney- Murphy, Rod Nation, Elizabeth Nation, Anne Farrall and Keith Smith

   Apologies: Des Wolfe, Karen McKeough, Jim Allen

2. Confirmation of previous minutes and matters arising:

   Minutes of the previous General meeting August 20th, 2008 and the Executive meeting, July 30th, 2008 were circulated prior to the meeting.

   Matters Arising: Paul Wood offered his services to assist with the calendar

   The minutes were accepted by John Blaney-Murphy and seconded by Maurice McCormick.

3. Correspondence and matters arising:

   3.1 Inwards

   • NAB Bank Statement
   • Acknowledgement from City of Albany of letter reference number ICR8064489

   3.2 Outwards

   • Nil

   Motion: Correspondence be accepted - - Moved: Andrew Marshall Seconded: John Blaney-Murphy

4. Financial Report:

   Treasurer's Report

   Cash Management Account: $175,712.97
   Cheque account: $2,661.64

   The meeting agreed that Terri Harwood's name be a signatory to the cheque account.

   Graeme Heighton tabled reports and moved the reports be accepted. Seconded by Phillip Marshall

5. Staff report - Karen:

   Karen emailed report to Phil Mellon who read it to the meeting.

   • Funding Application: Dept of water is applying for funding through WA State Government to extend Torbay project through to October 2009.
   • Granite quarry submission to City of Albany
   • Organising Watsonia Spraying with City of Albany and Corrective Services
   • Site visits for new projects
   • Following up on existing projects that need to be completed.
   • Tree planting at DoW / WICC drainage demonstration site
   • Catchment Detox - ABC concept for Science Week to promote awareness of environmental issues. Arranged for ABC reporter (local radio) to interview Neil Pilgrim who recently undertook extensive fencing project on his Marbellup Brook property. See catchmentdetox.net.au/.

6. General Business:

   6.1 Twinnings project:
   

   • Report tabled
   • Meeting to be organised after meeting

   6.2 International RiverSymposium:
   Terri and Graeme reported on their recent attendance at this event. Presentations will be given at future general meetings

   6.3 Rail Trail Project:
   John Blaney - Murphy asked for clarification of the GST component which was explained by Phil to his satisfaction. The meeting also asked for clarification re the Tendering Process and asked for more transparency when tenders are called in the future. The meeting finally agreed after considerable discussion, to proceed with the proposal.

   Motion moved by Maurice McCormick and seconded by Phillip Marshall

   6.4 Weed Eradication Program:
   Keith reported that it had been noticed that where the watsonia had been sprayed in particular along Meanwood Rd that the Koonak population had been depleted and questioned the use of Delapon. It was suggested that Material Data Sheets be checked. Keith undertook to question the Fisheries Dept. it was suggested that roadworks had this same effect.

   Phil to check with Karen re the location of our weed map and if Westnet Rail had been contacted re weed eradication on their property.

   6.5 Greencorps project:
   The boat ramp area is ready for limestone and brush has been applied to tracks to prevent erosion. The project requires more quickset cement to complete extended bollard program.

   Phil proposed the TCG provide the funds to purchase the quick dry cement. Maurice McCormick seconded the proposal

   6.6 Threatened Fish Species:
   Paul Close was unsuccessful in his application on our behalf to research Threatened Fish Species in Marbellup Creek

   6.7 Water usage:
   Maurice recommended reading a book by Maude Barlow outlining the issues surrounding the waterflows of the rivers supplying water to China and India. It discusses how private companies are making fundamental decisions on water usage. It is available at the ABC Shop

   6.8 Granite Extraction Project :
   Paul Wood spoke about the Granite Extraction Project in Bird Road, Bornholm. The local residents have formed the Torbay Protection Group to lobby council to prevent the establishment of this industry. There was a discussion of the water runoff from this site to the drains and the disruption to flora and fauna in the area.

   Phil Mellon undertook to contact the City of Albany to discuss the issues raised at the meeting which appeared contrary to those expressed in communications received by the Catchment group

The meeting closed at 2135

Next meeting:
Executive Meeting: 1st October, 2008
General Meeting: 22nd October, 2008