AAT Minutes General Meeting 18/2/24
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING
10.00 am Sunday 18 February 2024
Great Lake Community Centre, Miena
Present
Gary France Chair, Howard Jones Vice Chair, Tim Munro Executive Officer, Terry Byard Exec Committee, Peter Coventry Devonport Anglers, John Butler Devonport Anglers, Keith Symons Independent South, Jonathan Wadwell Exec Committee, Derek Inglis, Chris Hilton Tas Fly Tyers, Fiona Dewar social media officer.
Guests: James Weston and David Ikedfe, Hydro Tas, Brett Mawbey, Inland Fisheries
1. The meeting opened at 1015 following a tour of the new Great Lake Community Centre geothermal green house building.
Apologies
Malcolm Crosse Exec Committee, Wayne Bellette Tas Fly Tyers, Phillip Charlesworth NWFA, Adrian Hope Tas Flyfishing Association
2. Minutes of last GM
The minutes of the previous meeting of 19 November 2023 held at the Great Lake Community Centre were distributed. Following an amendment suggested by the chair to add a reference to boating impacts to the Shallow Waters Project item, a motion was passed that the minutes be accepted.
Moved Keith Symons, seconded John Butler
Matters Arising
· There were no matters arising that were not listed separately in the agenda.
3. Finance Report
The profit and loss report and balance sheet as at 31 January 2024 had been distributed with the meeting papers. Tim Munro advised that AAT has received $3767.87 for web cam subscriptions year to date out of a total income of $27404.24.
The Balance sheet remains strong with Assets of $47395.42 and Liabilities of $412.60 which relates to GST. Total equity sits at $46982.82. The meeting resolved to accept the financial report.
Moved by Chris Hilton and seconded by Terry Byard
4. Inland Fisheries Report
Brett Mawbey provided a report from Inland Fisheries Service (IFS). Of particular note to AAT:
· The change of IFS personnel expected to be announced in the coming weeks. John Diggle, Commissioner of Inland Fisheries is taking extended leave and then retiring; his role will be filled through a caretaker appointment whilst John is on leave and a permanent appointment made after than time. Chris Wisniewski is also set to retire in the coming weeks and his role is expected to be filled with a temporary selection until a permanent appointment is made. The meeting noted the excellent service both John and Chris have given over a long period of time and resolved that a letter be sent to each noting this.
· Hunstman Lagoon and Little Pine Boat ramp upgrade works commencing soon – TM is to follow up with Neil Morrow at IFS regarding construction details of the Little Pine ramp in particular the ramp angle given the shallow nature of the shoreline at the site.
· Success of the Rainbow Trout management program at Liawenee and the stocking program in Great Lake, which has led to improved angler catches.
· Butlers Gorge road is currently closed for upgrades to infrastructure around Lake King William. Camping upgrades will also commence in Autumn.
· IFS is aware of the issue of dead fish being seen in our fishery. Brett noted that there are natural factors involved such as young fish displacing older fish. The meeting noted that angler handling during catch and release could be improved and that should increase fish survival rates. AAT will review its education information about catch and release.
The influx and concerning impact of cormorants on our fishery was also discussed. Dryer conditions in Victoria has led to a substantial increase in Tasmania with some members concerned about possible breeding occurring in the north of the state now.
· Access to fish for stocking dams for Junior angling and similar club run angling days is a concern for AAT which IFS is aware of – they are keen to help resolve this. Tim Munro to meet with Brett Mawbey to advance this in the near future.
· effort is being put into our Brook Trout fishery. IFS are looking to grow larger fish to overcome predation and considering stocking in Lakes Plimsoll and Selina.
Inland Fisheries Advisory Council new appointments: the meeting noted IFAC members, Andrew Reed, Julianne Stevens, Liza Fallon (Chair) Andy Taylor, Fiona Dewar.
5. Hydro Tasmania
James Weston spoke about the process for obtaining a licence for events held on Hydro lands or waters. An information sheet has been distributed to the angling community (attached). James stressed that licence enquiries will be handled promptly and encouraged event organisers to contact Hydro to discuss their events should they meet the criteria set out in the attached letter.
There was discussion around the types of events that might require a licence – generally small informal club gatherings are less likely to need one, however larger events that may have entry fees, advertising, sponsorship and the like probably do. These types of events need to be well managed in any case and, in discussion with James Weston, it seems the Hydro licence process will not be too onerous. Gary France spoke positively about the event licence process he’s been through with Hydro for the Trout Expo over many years.
AAT agreed to distribute this information and is also keen to build its knowledge base about the licence process to assist clubs with the process.
Hydro was strongly commended for the recent works it has done in upgrading camping facilities around Arthurs Lake in particular - the meeting commenting that more will need to be done around the state as tourism increase with the advent of new TT ferries bringing increased numbers of tourists to the state in years to come.
David Ikedife from Hydro gave a presentation on the algal bloom currently occurring at Woods Lake. Satellite and drone images are being used to track the problem and a scientific panel has been established by Hydro Tas to help find solutions to the issue. David informed the meeting that whilst the algae isn’t toxic, it’s recommended that contact be minimised. Lowering the water level (below that agreed level) has been employed to help manage the problem.
David also informed the meeting that works on Brady’s lake and Bronte Lagoon in late 2025 will mean a lowering of the levels of these waters and some lowering to test impacts is currently being undertaken.
6. Webcams
The meeting discussed the webcam network making the following observations:
Camera Network working well – but maintenance contract still needs finalisation – Malcolm Crosse to follow up.
Funding to operate (and even expand) the network is seen as important as camera subscription revenues to date don’t appear to be sufficient at this stage. Government funding is desirable for AAT’s webcam program. After discussion it was agreed that a media release would be the best tool to bring the issue to the attention of major parties and candidates in the state election. Tim Munro to draft and finalise with AAT executive.
A proposal for a partnership between Hydro and AAT including webcam access and sponsorship and a raft of other issues was proposed – Hydro welcome discussions. Tim Munro to follow up.
7. Correspondence
a. Social Media Report
The social media report was tabled (and is attached below) – Fiona Dewar advised the meeting that social media content or ideas for content should be emailed to feeandco@gmail.com
b. Rural Water Round Table Report
During general discussion on the report, members observed that water flows were concerningly low in many areas and AAT ought engage with those involved in with the Rural Water Round Table – a member will be invited to a future AAT meeting to help open dialogue. Tim Munro will circulate the Rural Water Round Table Communique.
8. Inland Fisheries Advisory Council update
Howard Jones and Fiona Dewar informed the meeting that IFAC had met recently with Minister Palmer attending. The Minister is seeking closer ties with inland fisheries and is keen to hear about environmental issues affecting our fishery. New appointments to IFAC are Lisa Fallon Chair, Fiona Dewar Local Govt Tourism and AAT, Andy Taylor Hydro Tasmania, and Andrew Reed Tasmanian FlyTyers Club. It was felt that AAT has strengthened its relationship with the Minister and the Government agencies in recent months.
9. Feedback from Angling Club Meetings
a. STLAA
Tim Munro attended the recent STLAA meeting (Terry Byard and Jonathan Wadwell are members also) to speak about AAT matters including Shallow Waters and Webcam Subscriptions.
The STLAA was fairly positive about the low cost of subscription and the webcam service and suggested that additional marketing and communications through tourism channels would attract additional Webcam subscribers. This meeting agreed that closer liaison with tourism agencies could be beneficial.
b. Peter Coventry and John Butler from the Devonport Anglers Club raised the issue of access to fish stocks for Junior angling days and similar community events. Tim Munro is to follow up with IFS and the fish farming industry to try to source fish. He will also attend a future club meeting to discuss progress.
10. General Business
a. Woods Lake – discussed in Hydro Tasmania report.
b. Shallow Waters Project – stakeholder feedback has been sought and is positive. MAST has yet to comment however. It is hoped the report can be finalised and recommendations discussed with appropriate agencies before the next trout season commences.
c. Threatened Species Paper – AAT members have lodged submissions. This is an area of concern for anglers and AAT ought remain involved with future policy discussions.
d. Hut Bay Access – concern over the lack of a right of way into Hut Bay at Bronte Lagoon since the land has been earmarked for development has been an issue for a considerable time. The Kingborough Anglers Club had written to the Minister for Lands some time ago and the response indicates that future access is a matter for negotiation with the developer and the Highlands Council.
11. Other Business
a. The meeting took the decision that AAT not to attend Agfest this year feeling it would be too resource intensive at present.
b. AAT funding was discussed; Gary France has received a commitment from the Tasmanian Labour Party following meetings with Janie Finlay, to fund AAT for three years should it win government. AAT ought seek funding commitments from the Tasmanian Liberal Party and also seek the support of the Greens and independent candidates where possible. Tim Munro to prepare communications to this end.
The meeting closed at 3:06pm
Next General Meeting Date Sunday 19 May 2024 Great Lake Community Centre.
