Category: Meeting Report

* 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 … Read the rest

TREASURERS REPORT: Bank balance – $5060 before cheques written on day. We will consult with Graham re projects that the money may go towards. We will be receiving more money from Beyond the Smoke

GENERAL BUSINESS
* Margo S. raised a concern re the Grampians Advisory Group. Its tenure is coming to an end and it is to be hoped not too much time will elapse before another Group will be formed. FOGG will relay their support for the A. Group to Graham Parkes and also to Ian Voigt, Ballarat.
* Margaret Margitta expressed concerns re the Thistles that seem to be appearing both inside & outside the Park. FOGG will speak with Graham about the problem. Could FOGG tackle this weed in November instead of Sth.African orchid? It was noted that Sth. African orchid has gotten completely out of hand at Rocklands – spraying has not helped.
* Stan … Read the rest

The current Advisory group has officially finished its term of office, but had one more meeting to replace the “final” meeting which was cancelled due to fire weather. As FOGGs did the next day, in February we examined the proposed one way section of the Silverband road, went as far as Tower Hill to be updated on the brushtail rock wallaby project, and concluded with a barbecue at Sundial car park. We were given a copy of the proposed cultural heritage strategy and asked to respond individually. Advertisements asking for expressions of interest in joining the new Advisory Group have appeared in the papers and we hope it will not be long before the new group is in place. … Read the rest

Margo Sietsma

The AG met in November for its final meeting. Advertisements calling for expressions of interest will be out some time in the new year. I expect the new AG will again have a blend of experience and new blood. I would like to continue my involvement for another term, but that will depend on PV. I also hope that not too much time will elapse before the new group is in place.

At the meeting Graham updated the Group on fire recovery works. A team of ten casual staff have been appointed to carry out restoration works up until June next year. The focus initially is on Jimmy Creek Campground and the southern section of the Wonderland Range, followed by the Major Mitchell Plateau. Silverband Road is also planned to be reopened by Easter 2008. Rod Spinks briefed the group on Capital Works planned for the next two … Read the rest

The AG has met twice since the last newsletter. In July the major topic was the Fire Operations plan, and a visit to the Brush -tail Rock Wallaby enclosure at Dunkeld. I was absent, spending most of the day on a train across Belgium and Luxemburg I did make the second meeting in October where, among others, we discussed the future role of the group, expressed our deep concern over funding delays for fire recovery works in the Park, which also compromises things like employing a volunteer co-ordinator, and endorsed the Park’s submission to GWM Water on the proposed operating scenarios for reservoirs, following completion of the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline. If any member would like to read this I can forward it to you.
The November meeting will be the last for the current members as our term is up. I expect there will be a blend of experience and … Read the rest

TREASURER’S REPORT SUMMARY
Opening Balance: $4,576.13
Closing Balance; $3,328.38
Income from memberships and donations: $1522
Interest $ 20.03
Expenditure: Postage $154.28, printing of newsletter colour edition Autumn 2006 post fires $100.00, transport for school group doing weeding at Zumsteins $358, Beyond the Smoke $500, donation to Wimmera Uniting Care for production of a booklet on disabled access in the Park $1,000, printing of new brochure $550, miscellaneous costs. Total $2,788.88. Note, Parks Victoria assists in kind with the printing of our newsletter.

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS:
President Stan Parfett
Vice Pres. Prue Pyke
Secretary Kathy McDonald
Treasurer Dot Hoffmann
Editor Margo Sietsma
Publicity Officer Kathy McDonald
COMMITTEE : Leigh Gunn, Ben Gunn, JanBert Brouwer, Mabel Brouwer, Errol Hoffmann, Ewen Johnson, David Fletcher.

It was suggested that executive positions rotate every two years. The positions of Treasurer & Secretary will be open at the AGM 2008.

BUSINESS:
* It was moved … Read the rest