AAT Minutes - General Meeting Feb 2017

MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING10am Sunday 26 February 2017Great Lake Community Centre  PresentGary France Chair, Terry Byard Vice Chair, Malcolm Crosse Exec Committee John Broomby Exec Committee Michael Caminada Independent North & Exec Committee Charles Thompson NWFA, Terry Hayes Penguin Anglers Club, Howard Jones BOD Sports Anglers, Alan Gordon BOD Sports Anglers, Bruce Gilham Corralin FF and Casting Assoc, Wayne Bellette Tas Fly Tyers Club,  Adrian Hope TFFA, Robert Chandler Huon Licensed Anglers Assoc, Denis Edwards Exec Officer, John Diggle Director IFS , Minister Guy Barnett ApologiesMike Stevens, John Francis, Keith Symons, Sheryl Thompson Minutes of previous meeting and matters arisingMotion: “to accept the minutes of the previous meeting held on 27 Nov 2016 at Clarendon House, Evandale”Moved:  Gary France       Seconded: Terry Byard Inland Fisheries Service ReportJohn Diggle tabled a comprehensive report which is available on the AAT websiteThe report included the following :The photographic Competition to be held on Trout Weekend 20/21 May 2017. Entries close 28 April and entry forms on IFS website.Clarence Lagoon – track has been cleared feedback on Brook trout catches would be appreciatedWater quality Penstock and Little Pine LagoonsAnglers Access Road improvements to Woods Lake, Lake Echo, Clarence LagoonSouth EskFlood damage updateRiver Leven willow removalTalbots Lagoon gauging boardNative Fish ConservationPest Fish in Mersey, Pipers River and TamarElectrofishing surveysComplianceCarp Management ProgramHatchery and StockingClub events, meetings and dinnersEntry Form for Photography Competition World Fly Fishing Championships Tasmania 2019Malcolm Crosse outlined the logistics of this huge event with teams coming from 30 countries to be housed, fed and transported to venues.The large expense to run the event and therefor the importance of sponsorships was stressed as was the need for volunteer controllers etc.Minister Barnett suggested that the complexities of the organising task need an Executive Officer that should be funded by the Government. To this end it was suggested that Malcolm arrange a meeting with IFS, Tourism Tas and the Government.A plan of expenditure required for the next 3 years to be done by Malcolm and Gary FranceDiscussion with Minister BarnettA discussion was had on the Carp eradication program and Minister Barnett suggested that AAT write a letter of support to Federal Govt requesting funding extension for carp program of $275K for two yearsMinister Barnett discussed what a great asset the unique Tasmanian wild brown trout fishery and environment is and that every advantage should be taken to promote the fishery and leverage funding opportunities that the 2019 World Fly Fishing Championships will present.Minister Barnett suggested an information day be held in Parliament House in conjunction with IFS and Tourism Tas to inform politicians with videos , casting demonstrations etcA brief discussion was had on poor water quality and natural flows in rivers.The effect on rivers, with hatcheries, of the proposed increased salmon production was discussed and J Diggle explained that there are new regulations in place.J Diggle suggested that Trout Weekend be used for publicity FinancialsThe bank balances for all AAT accounts were tabled showing balances at 24Feb 2017: GRANT ACCOUNT       037-001 477934                                            $16,401.76 HOF  ACCOUNT           037-010 259330                                            $     736.43 TRADING ACCOUNT   037-009 171550                                             $  6,371.74 WEBCAMS                 037-010 259322                                              $  2,635.20The webcam sponsorships are now sufficient to cover all webcam costs. However increasing AAT activities will lead to a shortfall of funds (Trading a/c) and a strategy must be devised to deliver further funds.Motion: “That the financial statement be accepted”Moved:   M Crosse     Seconded: J Broomby Hall of FameLetters of resignation from Sheryl Thompson, Chair of the Anglers Hall of Fame, and Ray Aitchison, Anglers Hall of Fame Committee were tabled. Terry Byard moved a motion “ that the AAT Executive and Members thank Sheryl and Ray for their work over the last two and a half years in the very difficult task of successfully resurrecting the Anglers Hall of Fame”The motion was seconded by Adrian HopeNominations: A nomination for the HOF, from Charles Peck, for Jim Ferrier has been received, but on consulting the records it appears he was inducted into the HOF in 2004 and therefor the nomination is redundant TWWHA Copies of the TWWHA Management Plan were tabled and concern was expressed that despite AAT’s and other submissions on the Draft Plan, aircraft including helicopters will be allowed into the TWWHA for commercial purposes. Concern was also expressed at the lack of transparency of the EOI process from commercial interests using what is public land, anddiluting the wilderness experience of the many anglers who walk into these areas.Parks to be contacted to explain the management process and what environmental studies are being done to determine the impact of any proposals. Lake St Clair boat rampA submission for an upgraded boat ramp from the Southern Highlands Progress Association was tabled along with a letter of support from AAT Boating Proposals for Penstock and Little PineThe proposals which have previously been agreed were tabled. The implementation of the proposals will be done in time for the 2017/18 season StickersA quote for single colour AAT bumper stickers was tabled –500      stickers $560 + GST1000    stickers $710 + GST2500    stickers $1070 + GSTIt was suggested that other quotes be obtained before  a decision is made Junior Angling Day 15 Oct 2017Junior Angling Day to coincide with Gone Fishing Day on 15 Oct 2017 Trout Weekend 20/21 May 2017Planning to start now -Contact Telstra about their involvementWorld FF Championships to have a presence Hydro Recreation AppM Crosse reported on a meeting at Hydro to develop this app Leven River willow removalD Edwards reported that this project, funded by the Cradle Coast NRM, is about to start with John Broomby co-ordinating the project. Grant submission for toilets at Penstock and BronteThe grant submission for this project was tabled  CorrespondenceMasters Games  Entry forms now available and M Crosse gave a rundown on the logistics of organising such an event. A Hope suggested using the webcams to publicise the event.Weed Removal  Terry Byard reported on the recent ragwort removal working bee on Great Lake and raised the possibility of working with 4WD Clubs on future projects.Forest Tas Draft High Conservation Value Assessment and Management Plan was tabled.VHF on Highland LakesThis should be promoted on AAT website with advice on use and suitable receiver/transmitters, sched times etcFishing/camping on Lake King WilliamLetter from Parks was tabled explaining that a Parks pass is required to access the area since Lake King William was gazetted as a National Park in 2013. General BusinessMersey ForthJ Broomby reported on meetings of the Mersey Forth Recreation Committee .  Still awaiting Hydro’s decision on the allowable use of Paloona.Lake LeaC Thompson reported that the boat ramp needs attention to be usable and stop damage to Lake. Camping sites are not enough camping sites and this needs review by ParksIFS J Diggle reported that –Hydro has some Community Grants availableBrushy Lagoon has some bridge closure but is still accessible by vehicleTerry Hayes  informed the meeting that Penguin Anglers Club meets the first Mon of the month and welcomes visitors. ACTION LIST AAT Executive  AAT Strategy Plan for next 3-5 years and funding requests for initiativesMC/GF  Organise meeting with Guy Barnett, IFS, Tourism TasStrategic Plan and budget needs for next 3 yearsPublicity material for Parliament and Trout Weekend presentationDE/TB    Contact listBoating proposals to IFSDE/GF    Post list of members of the HOF on AAT websiteDE        Letter to Minister Barnett requesting carp program funding extensionInvite Telstra to Trout WeekendContact Parks to explain management of TWWHAVHF information on website NEXT MEETING  10am Sunday 28 May 2017