PRESENTATION:

MEETING

1. Welcome, attendance and apologies:

   Maurice McCormick welcomed members to the meeting at 2030

   Present: Phillip Marshall, Andrew Marshall, Graeme Heighton, Terri Harwood, Maurice McCormick, Jan Bennett, Paul Wood, Des Wolfe, Karen McKeough, Keith Smith, Adrienne Beattie, Chris Westcott, Pip Tillbrook, Glen Scott, Sandra Swain

   Apologies: Phil Mellon, John Blaney-Murphy, Rod Nation, Elizabeth Nation, David Broadhurst, Paul Beattie, Mike Scott

2. Confirmation of previous minutes and matters arising:

   Minutes of the previous General meeting September 10th, 2008 and the Executive meeting, October 1st, 2008 were circulated prior to the meeting.

   Matters Arising:

   • Re Executive Meeting Oct 1: Apologies to Chris Gunby who was listed as representing DEC and should read Dept of Water.
   • Re General Meeting Sept 10th Gen Bus 6.4: Keith reported that the contact for freshwater crustaceans in the area is Mark Kleeman. Members can contact him on 98417766 if anyone has queries re habitat.

   The minutes were accepted by Andrew Marshall and seconded by Keith Smith. Carried

3. Correspondence and matters arising:

   3.1 Inwards

   • Katherine Reid re request for purchase of calendar.
   • Environment and Conservation News: Sept, 2008

   3.2 Outwards

   • Nil

   Motion: Correspondence be accepted - - Moved: Chris Westcott Seconded: Des Wolfe. Carried

4. Financial Report:

   Treasurer's Report

   Cash Management Account: $176,801.63
   Cheque account: $662.00

   Treasurer reported that the books are with the auditor. He is expecting further $833 from BAS and outgoings related to conference costs approx $4000.

   Graeme Heighton tabled reports and moved the reports be accepted. Seconded by Keith Smith. Carried

5. Staff report - Karen:
   • Follow up on River Restoration Plan Review
   • Completed and distributed Newsletter
   • Completion of text for calendar. Calendar to remain at $8 this year
   • Larry Martin project completed
   • Catchment survey (158 random residents of catchment) sent out and mini version in newsletter
   • Negotiated with Rail Trail Project consultants. Public meeting on General Meeting date of December 3rd.

6. General Business:

   6.1 Twinnings project: : Andrew reported for Liz Marshall
   

   • Draft visit Report has been sent to Jarlmadangah representatives and Mr Watson has emailed their approval to proceed.
   • Report will be circulated on Louise Duxbury's return

   6.2 Weed Eradication:
   

   • Chris Westcott has sprayed the Lower Catchment
   • Greencorps have been working on Woody Weeds and reported a proliferation of Watsonia, Victorian T-tree, Arum Lily and Watsonia in the North Rd, Mutton Bird and Inlet area
   • City of Albany have sprayed their areas
   • Corrective Services are still working though have had se veral rainy Thursdays which has hampered their endeavours
   • Glen reported Watsonia in the Cosy Corner, Hortins roadside areas

   Action: Graeme to spray in these areas.

   6.3 Albany Green:
   Des reported that the new phase of development in the Albany Green
   Project incorporates the wetland area at the south end of the property.

   Action: Karen to investigate and communicate with the developers

   6.4 Future of the project:
   Maurice read report from Phil of their meeting with Chris Gunby re staffing and future directions of the catchment project. Staffing the catchment positions was discussed. Several interviews have been conducted for the short term interim Catchment Coordinator contract. The meeting discussed the issues related to funding and short term tenure. Karen reported that it is envisaged that a three year funding cycle will commence in July 2009.

   6.6 Environmental Water Requirement:
   Environmental Water Requirement studies have been completed. Researchers will report at next meeting

The meeting closed at 2125

Next meeting:
Executive Meeting: November 12th, 2008
General Meeting: December 3rd, 2008