Present: Lesley Hart (Minutes), Graeme Heighton, Phil Mellon, Pip Tilbrook, John Blaney-Murphy, Maurice McCormick, Des Woolfe, Sheryn Prior, Caroline Evans, Frank Martinek, Carl Graham, Kevin Graham, Rosemary King, Lawrence Emery
Apologies: Keith Smith, Pauline Irving, Chris Westcott, Elizabeth Nation, Rod Nation, Dave Broadhurst, Sally-Ann Blakers
Speaker: Kerstin Stender, Munda Biddi Trail Coordinator, DEC
Kerstin informed the meeting about the Munda Biddi Trail in general, the opportunities it brings for businesses and communities, the proposed route options from Nannup to Albany and information regarding the Munda Biddi Trail Foundation. The meeting provided an opportunity to look at maps of the proposed route and to discuss options/ideas and how we might work together in building the Elleker-Torbay section of the trail, taking into account a separate/parallel horse trail.
Most attendees stayed on for an informal meeting to replace the meeting cancelled from the previous week, since a few things were happening to inform the community about and discuss.
Deputy Chair Report:
Phil read out correspondence just received from Department of Water regarding the availability of funds to be shared across the region to various catchments for on-ground works and weed control from State NRM funding they had received. The availability of funds was welcomed. Phil has rung Chris Gunby. Waiting to discuss Torbay needs/plans to use funding.Also, reply from Water Corporation to catchment letter regarding the treated wastewater discharge to Seven Mile Creek had just been received. The response did not include any of the reports/documents we had requested. TCG will look into Freedom of Information route to source more information. Phil has handed this matter over to Maurice McCormick for follow up.
This matter is of great concern to the Catchment Group and resulted in considerable discussion and reference also to additional information provided in Lesley's Staff Report. Lawrence referred back to a community / local environment group meeting on this issue some 17 years ago, where the group had met with researchers/consultants and Water Authority at the time and had strongly pushed for a tertiary treatment facility. Their group's estimates of population growth were double those evidently used by the Water Corporation to plan for treated wastewater disposal. Lawrence is considering writing to the Albany Advertiser. Lesley encouraged as many people as possible to write.
Treasurer:
No report
Staff Report:
Lesley ran through her report
Issues raised/discussed:
- Catchment signage - Considered equipment required to dig holes for erecting signage. Soil auger should be OK for 2 out of 3 sites. May need post hole digger for third closest to town. John may be able to help. The decline by City of Albany for the fourth sign on Road Reserve was queried. ACTION: Phil to email Robert Fenn with copy of letter received from Graeme Howey and question response.
- Watsonia spraying progress - John Blaney-Murphy and Chris and Rhonda Westcott thanked for their volunteer spray work to date this year. Waiting on WestNet Rail to see if they can assist with spraying railway section within Marbellup Brook sub catchment. Main and major area still to cover this year is Redmond. Seeking more volunteers. John Blaney-Murphy may be able to assist in 2 weeks time.
- Albany Coastal Reserves Planning - notice in paper and email received re consultation process. Local meetings coming up at Bornholm 18 November and Albany 19 November. Des Woolfe notified the group that he is on the working committee. ACTION: Lesley to register TCG as an interested stakeholder and email information about consultation meetings to community.
- Torbay Inlet / Perkins Beach Coastal Works - Sheryn Prior from SCNRM was present and updated the meeting on the cause of delays to works starting in the field (related to Heritage approvals process). No dates for any busy bees as yet, but first likely opportunity for volunteer involvement will be to help Mark Parre with seed collecting. ACTION: Sheryn to notify Lesley as soon as activities are planned.
- Ecological Values talk - John Blaney-Murphy reported on his attendance at the recent presentation given by Dr Barbara Cook. ACTION: Lesley to make sure TCG has hard copy of the report.
- Re: Andrew Marshall - Maurice McCormick and Lesley Hart updated the meeting on current status of Andrew Marshall's illness. Card had been posted up to Fremantle this week. Everyone sending Andrew and Liz their love and best wishes for his speedy recovery.
Meeting closed 9.40pm
