Meeting Notes: 5th March 2008

1) PUBLICITY: Mary has written an article for the gazette in regards to the vandalism along the railway track. After Parks vict. spent time and money upgrading our track and creating a new thoroughfare for motorised vehicles, there were signs ripped out, gates destroyed and “wheelie” gouges put into the new surface by some unknown larrikins.

Mary is also preparing a report on the Green Corps for publication shortly.

2) GREEN CORP: Anthony and David reported the successful launch of the project this morning and that the team had already been working for a few weeks. Feedback on their progress is already filtering through, with great reports from everyone.

3) CROSSOVER BRIDGE: Both Bernard and David attended a meeting with shire staff to discuss progress on the bridge poject, it was felt that the shire were trying to stall the project.

The shire now wants to clarify ownership of the bridge and surrounds again, although this, of course, was undertaken as part of the initial proposal. Also they will NOT fund the engineering report (estimated $15,000/$20,000) so that an application for further funding from Heritage Vict. can progress. Topic left for further discussion at next meeting.

4) PARKS REPORT: Craig gave an account of his terrific progress in upgrading our railway track. He also mentioned about Parks community grants for the new year. Grants to be discussed further at next meeting.

5) D.S.E. REPORT:

A)    Patrol rd. works has started and the surface will be horse friendly when finished.

B)     La-Trobe River Rd. has been graded and will be re-surfaced.

C)    La-Trobe river rd. unloading area has been started and works will continue steadily.

D)    Hawthorn Bridge camping area requires a lot of rehabilitation and Paul suggested that we could organise a few days working bee out at the bridge to assist his already strained workload. (will discuss further)

E)     Road-side spraying is still in progress.

F)     HAWTHORN BRIDGE: Paul has spoken to Aaron Vanwinden (d.s.e.) as to progress with the construction of the bridge, it appears that it has slipped way down the priority list and that we will need to have another push with all user groups, including emergency services, to lift the profile of the bridge once again.

6) NEERIM SHOW: Our display was aimed at “informative” this year and was very well received by the public, with quite a few questions asked and discussion on our projects.

The Prospectors, Landcare and Wrap groups put on terrific displays, as usual, and our thanks go to them for their efforts. 3 new memberships were received.

7) CLEAN UP AUST. DAY: We assisted Neerim Landcare on this day by providing the luncheon for all those that participated.

8) HALL AND MEETING FEES: Although Rokeby Hall is willing to allow us to use the hall gratis it was felt that we should give a donation to the committee for meeting times during 2008. A donation of $150.00 was passed to be paid to the hall committee.

9)GENERAL BUSINESS:

A)    Eugene spoke about overhanging branches along our roadsides.

B)     David reported that the council is to undertake “community engagement” in our area later in the year.

C)    Bernard suggested that we do a submission for a community grant to “set up a project plan” for the bridge project.

 

NEXT MEETING:    23^RD APRIL 2008

Rokeby Hall 7.30 p.m.