WPA Grants Workshop: commenced 11.

45am in the Weymouth Hall

Conducted by Jos Philips, Project Manager, Coastal and Marine Branch DPIWE. PRESENT: Lindal Byard, Wendy Moon, Rachel Portsmouth, Lyn Barnard, Phil Barnard, Maureen Nankervis, Max Nankervis, Kevin Watkins, Phill Mancey. INTRODUCTION: A brief introduction reviewed the funding criteria, noting the limitation of no capital works and the emphasis on restoration of vegetation, weed eradication and coastline preservation. WALK ROUND: All present commenced a walk around of some of the coastal weed infested areas. These included the area from the Havelock St boat ramp, the old camp ground, Bonnily park and the swimming area at the river from the car park extending east to near the old jetty stumps. WORKSHOP: After returning to the hall the workshop was conducted and four areas were identified and defined. These were prioritised and decided upon via an open voting process: 1) Havelock St to Short St 2) Beech-River walking loop tracks 3) Old camping ground foreshore crown land area 4) River edge from river car park extending west to near the old jetty stumps OUTCOME AND ACTIONS: 1) A documented strategy is to be developed via Jos on behalf of the WPA to be presented to relevant government and council stakeholders for support and in-principal approval. The concept is of a Beach/River walking loop which would gather together the four areas in one cohesive plan. 2) A WPA Environmental Management subcommittee is be established to oversee and manage the process; Lindal Byard, Wendy Moon, Rachel Portsmouth, Lyn Barnard, Phil Barnard, and Maureen Nankervis. 3) Application would be made for NRM North funding of up to $5,000 to revise relevant elements of the Crocket report and develop a detailed strategy document. That document would then be used as the basis for a major application for a grant of up to $20,000 for Caring for Country available from the Australian Government. The workshop concluded at approximately 1.20pm Jos Phillips to advise sub-committee of progress.