Torbay Catchment - Project Officer Report

Project Officer Report - 2 June 2009

Funding Update Funding of the Project Officer position and on-ground works through SCNRM has been confirmed through to 30 September 2009. The current funding available for on-ground works is:
$32,000 - 16 km fencing (riparian & remnant vegetation)
$4,500 - 10ha revegetation
$5,000 - 5 stock crossings
$5,600 - 4 watering points
$3,750 - 50ha perennial pasture establishment
$50,850 - TOTAL
Approx. $ 7,500 of these funds is currently committed to new projects. All new projects must be completed & invoiced by 30 September 2009.
The budget for education and communications now includes $4,000 to fund 4 roadside signs to prompt the community & enhance behavioural change.
Outstanding Projects from 2008
In the process of chasing these up & aim to get as many as possible through final inspection and all expenses invoiced by 30 June 2009. Graeme & I met to discuss TCG finances and monies currently set aside to fund the outstanding works.
New On-Ground Works
Need to allocate a large proportion of my time in the coming months in trying to secure suitable new on-ground works as per funding allowances.
Stall at Torbay Hall
I ran a successful stall on behalf of the TCG at the Torbay Markets on Sunday 3rd May, distributing some sampler packs of native plants suitable for local revegetation, signing up a few new members, handing out brochures & meeting with the community.
Newsletter & Report Card
June 2009 newsletter is complete & should be in letterboxes by week beginning 8 June. No progress to date on the Report Card, but hope to complete and publish by mid July. Propose to mail with a workshops promotional flier once some dates, topics and presenters are confirmed.
Speakers for Meetings
Paul Close from CENRM on Environmental Water Requirements for Marbellup Brook on either 5 August or 16 September. Working on booking a speaker for 24 June.
Information:
- Water Corporation put in a request in April to Department of Environment and Conservation to dispose of projected Gunn Rd Tree Farm overflow from late September into Seven Mile Creek. Department of Water rejected the proposal via correspondence to Caron Goodbourn (DEC)
- The sand bar was opened at the Torbay Inlet on Tuesday 26th May
- A recent inspection of the Martin's Stream Restoration project site revealed significant invasion of Kikuyu into the fenced off, revegetated site. Consider approaching Gary Martin & having a busy bee to carry out weed control & possible further planting
- There is insecurity over future water quality monitoring funding from the Department of Water for Torbay and Wilson Inlet Catchments, but funds have been secured to cover the program for 2009
- Blue Green algal blooms in Lake Powell have persisted through to May, with a seasonal shift in the predominant species from April to May

Lesley Hart
Torbay Catchment Project Officer 2/06/2009