* Advisory Group – Graham Parkes outlined plans upon which a new committee will be chosen :– meeting with Traditional Owner groups, seek expressions of interest from the broader community & also previous committee members etc. Stan reinforced FOGG’s feeling that it is important to keep the Advisory Group functioning.
* Scotch Thistle – NP has contractors working on scotch and furze thistle, however works have eased back as the plants are now in seed. Next season, attack on plants will have to increase. It’s unfortunate that not enough is known about the thistle and its actions. Stink-wort is another emerging problem after the fire
* Request for help with cost of microscope for Brush Tail Rock Wallaby Project We will give up to $1200. We suggest that a camera attachment be included. It was agreed the microscope will belong to Parks, but other groups may use (in the Parks office).
* Fire Recovery – Graham outlined areas still needing work –
. i) Major Mitchell Plateau is the biggest challenge. Tracks leading into & out of plateau area to be started after Easter. Board walks to be constructed of ‘black steel’ or ‘core-ten’ steel as suggested by Malcolm. Graham to research best material for the area. Obviously treated-pine is no longer used. Toilet on 1st Wannon to be replaced.
ii) Boroka Lookout track to Halls Gap.
iii) Pinnacle down front to Halls Gap – people are using this track already so it is important that works start soon.
iv) Mackenzie Falls to Fish Creek.
Will source insurance money & help of volunteer groups & Walking Track Support group for some of these projects.
v) Red-gum Walk – Signage is insurable so contractors can carry out this work. Graham suggested that Interpretive Consultants be brought in to advise on particular signage to be displayed. Tree-risk assessment should be undertaken very soon to allow for other works to commence. FOGG will oversee main works with perhaps small sub-committee to liaise with Parks. Parks happy to work with FOGG on the Red-gum walk.
vi) VIC Roads to re-open Silverband Falls road in a one-way direction from the top near Mt. Rosea carpark down to Silverband carpark. All openings to take place on the one day (before Easter).
Fire recovery to end by Christmas (hopefully)
* Question put to Graham – what can FOGG do during 2008?
i) Red-gum walk. ii) Assist with walking tracks – eg. Pinnacle to Halls Gap – could work together with Walking Track support group. iii) BTRW ‘release’ in September will be an opportunity for a number of groups to become involved.
* People in Parks Foundation The executives have met with GP staff and with David Witham (Walking Track Support Group) and Margo (Advisory Group) representing volunteer groups. The Foundation is a separate entity that is partially funded by PV but deals with National Parks throughout Australia. Graham hopes FOGG will support the Foundation in their quest to inspire volunteer groups to work in this park. FOGG could offer help with accommodation arrangements, advise on and assist with projects. Margo and David had told the two reps that the most useful thing they could fund here was a volunteer co-ordinator. Graham hopes that such a person may be appointed if the partnership becomes viable.
* It is hoped to re-establish a Resource Centre within the office space that once housed the shop. The area will be available to groups or individuals to undertake research, FOGG could set up an area to store records and carry out administrative work.
* We discussed possible activities for the rest of the year. Graham hopes to encourage Heritage events such as the one at Smiths Mill in 2007 and the upcoming day at Brim Springs.