1. The Chairperson, Phillip Mellon welcomed those present to the meeting at 1930.
Present: Terri Harwood, Graeme Heighton, Phillip Marshall, Andrew Marshall, John Blaney-Murphy, Chris Westcott, Pip Tillbrook, Kevin Graham, Carl Graham, Sandra Swain, Elizabeth Nation, Rod Nation, Anne Kanyn, Kirsty Alexander, Keith Smith, Lesley Hart
Apologies: Maurice McCormick, Mike Scott, Glen Scott, Paul Beattie, Sherryn Prior
There was no presentation this meeting, however Kirsty Alexander, Program Manager, Catchment and Waterways, Department of Water was introduced and addressed the meeting on the Environmental Water requirements study and its importance. Barbara Cook will be invited to present at May 13th meeting.
Minutes of the previous Executive meeting, 28th January were circulated prior to the meeting.
Minutes of the previous General Meeting, 18 February and Executive Meeting 11th March were circulated prior to the meeting. There were no matters arising
Confirmation of previous minutes: Chris Westcott and seconded by Andrew Marshall.
3.1 Inwards
3.1.1 Email from David Broadhurst, South Coast NRM Manager re meeting scheduled 16th April to discuss Commonwealth funding. This will be attended by Phil Mellon.3.1.2 City of Albany re installation of Eco Toilets at Cosy Corner West to replace existing.
3.1.3 Lotterywest Trails Grant application has been received
3.2 Outwards
3.2.1 Trail Grant application: Implementation Plan ? Multiuse recreational trail
Correspondence accepted by Andrew Marshall and seconded by Keith Smith.
The Treasurer tabled the Finance Report
- Cash Management Account: $191,906.61
- Cheque Account: $1351.42
The Treasurer Graeme Heighton proposed the meeting accept the finance report which was seconded by Sandra Swain.
Our new Catchment Coordinator, Lesley Hart was introduced to the meeting. The catchment has funding for this position which is focussed on implementation of the River restoration Plan until June 30, 2009. Lesley addressed the meeting. She will focus on the plan implementation work, reporting to the community and identifying funding opportunities. It was also reported that the Torbay Catchment remains a high priority for the Department of Water.
Lesley addressed the group and outlined her background which includes OXFAM Australia and Community Aid Abroad and her qualifications in Environmental Science.
6.1 Rail Trail Project:
The proposed budget included in the rail trail application was discussed at the meeting and Sandra Swain moved that the CBA Landcare Award prize be included in the submission budget and was seconded by John Blaney-Murphy. Motion Carried.
Pip Tillbrook proposed that the TCG contact the Trail Working group to guage interest in their willingness to progress the project in the interim as the outcome of the grant will not be known until August 2009. Seconded by Carl Graham. Carried
Action: Pip to email group to gauge interest.
Action: Phil to print copy of Rail Trail Feasibility Study.
6.2 Twinning Project update:
A meeting was held on 18th March
- Vernice Gillies attended and assisted members to understand aspects of Indigenous culture which will be invaluable in future contacts with Jarlmadanga Community and our local Noongar people
- School project: Orientation to catchment bus tour planned for tomorrow (Thursday 2/4/09). . Terri assisted Greg Grey (Teacher Albany Primary year 5/6) to plan the trip
Action: John Blaney-Murphy, Andrew and Liz Marshall and Lesley Hart to assist on the tour - Students have commenced a calendar project the TCG will be able to utilise for the 2010 catchment calendar.
- Contact has been made with Anthony Watson
- John Blaney Murphy will continue to attempt contact re fencing project.
Action: Terri to distribute future twinning meeting minutes
6.3 Catchment Calendar 2010:
Action: Terri to put onto Executive meeting agenda
6.4 Atwell's Brickworks
It is noted that there is a road project commenced from this site. City of Albany and The State Administration Tribunal have refused permission for the brickworks to continue and expand.
Action: Terri to ask Des Wolfe to investigate with Council if they have permission to build the road and if there is an extraction license issued for this project.
6.5 Five Mile Creek
A new drain has been constructed/ extended and the meeting enquired if there was an opportunity for restoration.
Action: Lesley will investigate when she commences her contract.
6.6 Drainage map Phil asked Kirsty about the development of a drainage map identifying who has responsibility for the drains in the catchment
The chair closed the meeting at 2100.
Next meeting:
Executive Meeting: Wednesday 22nd April, 2009
General Meeting: 13th May, 2009
