AAT AGM Aug 2020

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

10am Sunday 23 August 2020

The Grange, Campbell Town  

Present

Gary France Chair, Terry Byard Vice Chair, Howard Jones Exec Committee, Alan Gordon Break O’ Day Sports Anglers , Malcolm Crosse Exec Committee, John Broomby  Northern Clubs, Wayne Bellette Tas Fly Tyers Club, Jonathan Wadwell  STLAA Delegate, Brett Smith Independent Northwest, Keith Symons Independent South, Denis Edwards Exec Officer, John Diggle IFS

Apologies

Michael Caminada, Mark Rockliff, Adrian Hope, Christopher Cohen

Welcome

Chairman, Gary France welcomed members and guests

Confirmation of the minutes of the 2019 AGM

T Byard moved that the minutes of the 2019 AGM be accepted

Seconded:  J Wadwell

Chairman’s Review 2020  

December 2019 saw the National Recreational Fishing Conference held in Hobart Tasmania, at which anglers where represented by Howard Jones and myself. These few days were filled with learning, and building networks around the future of fishing in Australia. New technology along with tried and tested initiatives where showcased, discussed and cross examined. Of particular interest is the dynamic success of the not for profit organisation Ozfish, modelled on what AAT have previously researched and discussed as Trout Unlimited. Ozfish has gone from 3 Chapters, or local groups in Australia to 45 Chapters in around 3 years. A major focus is on habitat repair and protection, providing setup and ongoing support, including funding (derived from corporate sponsors) to local projects run by small local groups.I encourage anyone with a vision for a fishing location to consider this opening door. AAT can help to facilitate these connections.

Early December also saw the very successful staging of the World Fly Fishing Championships in Tasmania. We are all proud to show off one of the world’s last great wild brown trout fisheries, and we congratulate all those involved in making this honourable event a memorable occasion, despite the extremely challenging climatic conditions.

The executive team has continued to work with high efficiency on the many key issues surrounding the prosperity of the Tasmanian Trout fishery, dealing with water quality issues, occurrences of fire, flood, access, infrastructure, bio security measures, social interactions, energy, aquaculture, and agricultural requirements.

I see our challenge moving forward as one of holding, and improving ground on what we currently have and our achievements in light of future resource demands.

Anglers Alliance is in a healthy position to hear from and be heard by the stakeholders that influence clean healthy water resources. We continue with good rapport in relationships and a balanced approach in negotiation. I thank the hardworking, dedicated, and passionate AAT team for their contribution.

Adjustments to executive committee meeting structures have been discussed, an increase in monthly phone hook-ups to fortnightly was implemented, and the possibility of using online video link for meetings as a tool in improved effective executive communication has been accepted.

The AAT website continues to perform strongly, assisted by the current and upgraded webcam network around the state, most recently the new Lake Leake webcam already very popular in visitation, and the imminent relocation of the Arthurs Lake webcam to a new and improved location.

Junior and family angling support continues to be of high priority. Social media can play a major role in promoting information delivery and increased participation in the fishing and outdoor opportunity.

A strategic planning review for AAT is due and we look forward to any input from anglers for consideration and discussion.

The fishery is in extremely good shape, with water levels optimal. I wish everybody a great season.

Gary France

Chairman - Anglers Alliance Tasmania

J Broomby moved that the Chairman’s review be accepted . Seconded : M Crosse

Financial Report and Yearly Budget

The 2019-2020 audit carried out by Accru auditors was tabled, along with the AAT yearly budget for 2020-2021.

Discussion took place on possible funding for various projects and the importance of maintaining the present level of funding .

T Byard moved that the audit and budget be accepted. Seconded: J Wadwell

Election of Office Bearers

Nominations were received from all existing office bearers and accepted from the floor. No other nominations were received so the AAT Executive remains as :

Gary France           Chairman

Terry Byard            Vice Chairman

Malcolm Crosse    Project Officer

Howard Jones

Michael Caminada

Denis Edwards remains the Executive Officer

Keith Symons moved a vote of appreciation for the work done by the Executive Committee.  Seconded: John Broomby