Torbay Catchment - Project Officer Report

Project Officer Report - 15 July 2009

Quarterly Report to SCNRM submitted The on-ground works targets for this quarter were partially met, mainly with respect to having sufficient projects requiring revegetation covering 5 ha and completion of a stock crossing. Some projects including fencing and watering point installation are in progress, but the fencing expected to be complete by 30th September, falls way short of the available on-ground works budget.
Community reporting and educational activities are on target and likely to remain so for the final quarter (ie with workshops, a report card and speaker events to come).
A significant under-spend on on-ground works is likely as most landholders are unable to commit to finishing such works in barely a 2-3 month time frame. Publicity in the recent newsletter has not generated much interest.
Recent discussions with Andrew Marshall and Maurice McCormick led to the conclusion that it will not be possible to spend any of the funding currently allocated to Perennial Pasture subsidies ($3,750).
One significant project was cancelled, though works are going ahead at the landholder's expense.
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.

On Ground Projects Approx Funding available

$28,000 -	14 km fencing (riparian and remnant vegetation) - difficult in current time frame, unless greater subsidy
$2,500 -	5 ha revegetation - Likely projects will be found
$3,000 -	3 stock crossings - will tie into fencing projects
$2,800 -	2 watering points - will tie into fencing projects
$3,750 -	50ha perennial pasture establishment - timing rules out

Considering strategies to optimise use of funds while they are available and doing our best to meet targets. Currently have 5-6 possible projects, including two that had contracts then cancelled. Strategies to assist rapid implementation of projects include using volunteer labour for fencing, purchasing supplies and tree planting. Also suggest fully funding several projects using a top up from TCG funds.

Outstanding Projects from 2008
Some projects likely not to be finalised by 30th September.
Report Card
Likely now for early August.
Workshops - Elleker Hall
1. Weeds Workshop - Likely two presenters. Learn how to identify common weeds in the catchment, various techniques and methods of eliminating/removing/managing them. Walk to illustrate nearby weeds in the field.
  1-4 pm. Possible dates: Wed 19th August & Saturday 22nd (or 26th & 29th August)
2. Revegetation and Restoration Workshop - Keith Smith and maybe Mark Parre.
  1pm-5pm. Possible dates: Wed 23rd September & Sat 26th Sept. (or 19th & 30th)
Catchment Signage
In progress. Sub group is working on this & was opened up for message ideas. Need to submit to Council by early August for consideration.
Information
- The UWA Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management Symposium:
  CHALLENGES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE GREAT SOUTHERN People Land Water
  Tuesday July 21, 9am - 5pm, Albany Town Hall
- ANZ staff Foundation provides funds for projects up to $5,000
- DoW have just converted the flow monitoring station on Torbay Main Drain to a Telemetered site with equipment that allows a central point to download the latest data. Each site is usually downloaded once a day, but may be downloaded more frequently during times of flooding. Note that data on the river monitoring stations pages is not quality assured, and is provided for general interest to the community only. See: http://kumina.water.wa.gov.au/waterinformation/telem/stage.cfm

Lesley Hart
Torbay Catchment Project Officer 15/07/2009