Twelve members were able to attend a weekday meeting at Halls Gap. Before lunch we had a presentation from some of the parks staff on the damage inflicted on the parks infrastructure during the rain event of the 13th January. The pictures and descriptions of the task ahead for VicRoads and Parks staff can only be described as mind boggling. Dave Roberts the new Ranger in Charge joined the meeting towards the end and answered many questions and discussed issues that lie ahead. At this point in time he could not think of any specific things FOGGS can do to help, but as further assessments are made and the tasks ahead are clearer, there may be things we can assist with. We then made our way to Brambuk for lunch and discussion.
The FOGG committee met again on April 8 to follow up on the ideas, and other business.
Business:
Write to Dave thanking him for his time meeting with us and supporting his view in educating the wider community, that the events of 13 January ‘were a force of nature and part of the natural changing landscape’. Done.
Those present were concerned that with all the disasters which have happened so far this year Grampians National Park may not get all the help needed. FOGGs should lobby for more funding and assistance in view of the fact that Grampians currently has 3 full time positions unfilled and also has 3 staff on various ‘long term leave’ thus effectively 6 staff short. Suggestions were to write a short letter to Melbourne papers and to members of parliament viewing our concerns. Done.
Beyond the Smoke: The administrative side of selling these books is not worth it so the committee has given away copies to local businesses who have appreciated them. 200 will be kept in reserve in case reasonable size orders come in. (see separate article)
Parks are thinking of asking Ross Cayley to come up to have a meeting with him re the geology and we thought it could be good if FOGGs could also host a public meeting with Ross speaking. (planned for ….)
Contact CMA to see if anything is being set up to monitor various streams after the flooding event. (investigating an activity with them)
Further decisions April 8
Re our letters to Politicians and papers: We received replies from both politicians saying our letter had been forwarded to the appropriate ministers for the Environment and Climate Change and the minister for Roads. Action Wendy will see what replies come from ministers and we may need to write further letters. Our letters to papers were published locally but did not get into the Melbourne press.
After the announcement by Ted Baillieu that 6 million dollars was being given to Wilsons Prom, Proo wrote a letter requesting he visit the Grampians immediately as he must not be aware of the devastation which had occurred. This was emailed and Ted phoned Prue with the explanation that because so many cars and buses were marooned at Tidal River an immediate response was required. He promised further visits to the Grampians.
Trevor Winfield and Dave Roberts have asked if FOGGs could help with some planting of indigenous plants around the MacKenzie Falls kiosk. Action We are happy to do this. Wendy will keep in contact with him as this activity will depend on the road access and procurement of plants.
Darcy Prior of DSE contacted us with the invitation to talk to FOGGs to explain the new fire management zones. We thought we may be able to combine this with a meeting with Dave for an update on the Park and perhaps a visit to Silverband Falls after lunch. Action Margo to speak to Dave about a suitable date.
Email addresses. We currently are getting mail returned and emails bouncing. It would also be handy to have an email list to let members know of relevant activities between newsletters. See article on p 11
Treasurers report: $239.15 petty cash. Some memberships have been received, no payments have been made and the current balance is $4156.86.