REF in three words

Rehabilitate

Educate

Facilitate

From the Management meeting 25-01-06

The Committee met at Rae Frawley's last night and continued laying the base upon which the Forum will be based. These types of meetings can be long and tedious but are essential if REF is to assume a significant role in environmental protection and education in the Redcliffe area.

To date the Forum now has a tax file number, an ABN, an Auditor ( Greg Heaney ), a temporary website and a post box ( courtesy of the Treasurer ). In the pipeline are completing registration documents for REF to be recognised as a Community Natural Resource Management Group, establishing REF as an entity recognised by the Redcliffe City Council and sponsorship arrangements with printers and software companies.

For those who want to be actively doing things, there are the following:

. register with Bob 3880 4447 or David 3880 2541 for the environmental monitoring
training on Sunday Feb 26

. encourage your friends to join REF as well as registering for the training on Sunday feb 26

. advise David 3880 2541 of any items or artifacts concerning redcliffe's environment which
you could lend REF for a display at the Redcliffe Museum eg REF already has a turtle
skull, old piece of fishing net, rusted car part.

. join the REF Clean-up Australia Day team between 7- 9am Sunday March 5 at the end of
Duffield Road on Clean-up Australia Day. Contact David 3880 2541 to register your interest.

Bookmark this blog and regularly check for more news and information.

Images of Hays Inlet from Bob Crudgington

Hays Inlet Project Area January 15 2006

Photos by David Lergessner

Pre-European use

It is hard to imagine that those soldiers and convicts who set up the original settlement in 1824 encountered a bush that was so thick that a trail had to be blazed from the store hut ( near where Coles is today at Redcliffe ) to the water holes along Humpybong Creek ( near where the Museum stands today ). Today remnants of this early vegetation are preserved in the Johnman-Loveday area of the Botanic Gardens in Henzell Street.

There is likewise little evidence of the people who lived in the Redcliffe area prior to the coming of white people. That there were people here is unquestioned. One of the reasons the settlement was moved was because of hostilities from the aboriginal inhabitants. Yet just twelve months earlier, castaways Pamphlet, Parsons and Finnegan were treated kindly by local aboriginals even though Finnegan had stolen one of their canoes ( and a good quantity of fish inside ) to cross Hays Inlet. A group of around 10 aboriginals followed Finnegan using other canoes but instead of punishing thew castaways they took pity on them and provided food and shelter for around a month. When the group left the peninsula, the aborigines provided plenty of fish and dingowa ( from the fern Blechnum indicum )for their journey.

This will be completed in the near future. The research is interesting but time consuming.

Redcliffe / Hays Inlet timeline

Top photo 1958
Bottom Photo 1987
( D.A.Lergessner People and the Environment Two : The Human Landscape Macmillan 1991 )

Redcliffe / Hays Inlet Timeline

Circa 38 million years ago Australia separated from Antarctica and began its northward drift. Australia is drifting northwards at the relatively fast rate of 7cms per year. At this rate Redcliffe will be north of the Tropic of Capricorn in just over 9 million years.

Circa 120000 year BP Hays Inlet would have been under water as coastline was further west.

Circa 6000 years BP Hays Inlet would have been dry as coastline was east of Moreton Island as sea levels were possibly 100-150m below present levels. Humpybong Creek would have wound across a plain to join the Brisbane River somewhere near Moreton Island. Around this time sea levels rose again to stabilise at what is the current coastline.

Circa 1000 years BP Evidence shows increased occupation of Moreton Bay coastline by aboriginal communities with the Turrbal people living on the north side of the Brisbane River.

1770 Captain James Cook sailed up the east coast of Australia.

1799 Lieutenant Matthew Flinders spent two weeks exploring Moreton Bay naming Red Cliffe Point ( now Woody Point ). It is estimated around 5000 aboriginal people lived in the Moreton Bay area at this time.

1823 Three cedar getters ( Pamphlet, Parsons and Finnegan ) made their way to Redcliffe having been shipwrecked on Moreton Island. ( June )

1823 Lieutenant John Oxley arrived in Moreton bay looking for a suitable place for a convict settlement. Found Pamphlet and Finnegan who reported good treatment by friendly natives.

1824 Oxley selected the site of Redcliffe for the penal colony.

1824 Alan Cunningham and party fell pine trees along the banks of what became known as the Pine River.

1825 Redcliffe was abandoned as the site of the penal colony in favour of Brisbane.

1860 Redcliffe’s population estimated at a couple of dozen.

1862 Redcliffe declared an agricultural reserve and land sales began.

1880s Redcliffe become popular as a seaside resort.

1888 Rail line was extended to Petrie.

1911 The steamer The Koopa begins delivering tourists to the Redcliffe Jetty.

1928 Redcliffe homes were connected to Brisbane’s electricity supply.

1935 Hornibrook Highway opened linking Redcliffe with Sandgate. The bridge was built using local timbers from the Pine region.

1941 Houses began to be connected to reticulated water supply.

1944 Discussions commenced about sewering Redcliffe homes.

1959 Sewerage Treatment plant commenced operation discharging treated water into Hays Inlet.

1959 Redcliffe’s population had grown to 18000

1970 Redcliffe’s population had grown to over 25,000

1979 Houghton Highway replaced Hornibrook Highway which remains as a pedestrian and cycle route.

1989 Redcliffe Education Centre began school tours of the Wallum ( now the Redcliffe Botanical Gardens in Henzell Street ), coastal beaches and the mangrove area fringing Deception Bay.

2005 Over 50000 people live in Redcliffe.

Redcliffe from the air

Fortunately many flights heading north from Brisbane give a good view of the Redcliffe Peninsula.

In the top photo, the Scarborough Boat Harbour and Newport Waterways stand out as coastal features on the northern side of the Peninsula. The east coast shows the distinct bay beach headland shape.

The mangrove communites bordering Hays Inlet on the south-western side are more clearly seen in the photo above.

Photos : David Lergessner

Hays Inlet Web References

Hays Inlet web references

created by David Lergessner 14-01-06

Inclusion of a website in this list does not indicate that REF endorses the views of the particular website. REF is a forum for the exchange of environmental information from both sides of the spectrum.

http://www.dakibudtcha.com.au/ningy_ningy_environment.htm
Site of the traditional owners of Redcliffe and its environs.

http://www.ehmp.org/ehmp/results_sewage_plumes_macroalgae.html
Analysis of plumes associated with sewage plumes in Moreton Bay from 1997 to 2001 including maps.

http://www.ehmp.org/ehmp/results_ulva.html
Growth of sea lettuce in Bramble Bay linked to increased nutrient levels – 2003.

www.epa.qld.gov.au/register/p01361ad.pdf
Chapter 3 of the Draft SE Qld Regional Coastal Management Plan includes Hay Inlet and the Brisbane wetlands with only a small reference to Hays Inlet

www.healthywaterways.org/filelibrary/FILE20034518434.pdf
Diagrammatic representation of Bramble Bay with short analysis of nutrient and sediment loads.

www.healthywaterways.org/filelibrary/FILE200345192412.pdf
Diagrammatic representation of N & S Pine River with short analysis of nutrient and sediment loads.

www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/M/MarinePMBZnP97.pdf
Legislation to enact Moreton bay Zoning Plan in 1997. Includes a description of the area included in the Hays Inlet Conservation zone.

http://www.nrmseq.com/downloads/200406/CoastsAndSeas.pdf
Brief overview of situation in relation to coastal areas between Cooloola and the QLD-NSW border.

http://www.pinerivers.qld.gov.au/c/prsc?a=glob&object=1115257183
Map from 2005 Draft Pine Rivers Plan showing conservation areas around Hays Inlet.

www.redcliffe.qld.gov.au/planning_scheme/factsheets/Fact_Sheet_3.pdf
Explanation of Redcliffe City Council’s Conservation, Parks and Open Space zones in th4e 2005 Plan including some relevant statistics.

www.uq.edu.au/access_history/two-one/pine.pdf
Well referenced article by Erica Long on the early history of the timber industry and early settlement in the Pine Rivers-Redcliffe area.

http://www.peterdutton.com.au/news/default.asp?action=article&ID=567
Announcement of funding for flood mitigation projects in the Hays Inlet and other areas Aug 2005

http://www.peterdutton.com.au/news/default.asp?action=article&ID=133
Announcement of funding for various environmental projects.

http://www.pinerivers.qld.gov.au/c/prsc?a=da&did=1193768
Information about the Pine Rivers’ Mosquito Management program.

http://www.pinerivers.qld.gov.au/c/prsc?a=sp&pid=1113866751
Site is a listing of maps associated with the 2005 Pine Rivers Shire Plan.

http://www.redcliffe.qld.gov.au/planning_scheme/planscheme.htm
Site provides access to all areas of the Redcliffe 2005 City Plan.

http://www.abc.net.au/austory/specials/mcinnes/wmcinnes.htm
Transcript of Australian Story on William McInnes including his memories of growing up in Redcliffe in the 50s and 60s.

http://www.landcareqld.org.au/
This is an umbrella site covering organisations interested in sustainable environments.

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/nature_conservation/habitats/wetlands/
The State Government’s site covering wetlands.

http://www.dakibudtcha.com.au/Community%20Notice%20Board.htm
The proposal for a food irradiation plant at Narangba had implications for Hays Inlet.

http://www.cleanocean.org/index_general.asp?menuid=040.010
This site is opposed to all sewage outfall sites including that at Hays Inlet. It examines alternatives to ocean outfalls.

http://www.deh.gov.au/parks/nrs/capad/2002/qld/qld-list102.html
List of terrestrial land areas protected in Qld. Includes Hays Inlet.

http://pineriversshs.eq.edu.au/pages/school/history/John_Oxley.htm
Early role of John Oxley in the history of the region.

http://forums.brisinst.org.au/read.php?29,291,292,quote=1
A forum by the Brisbane Institute about river tunnels which includes reference to a tunnel under hays Inlet.

http://www.marine.uq.edu.au/marbot/significantfindings/chapter11.htm
Section of a report into tracing the impact of sewage plumes on Moreton Bay.

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/qt/tpSite.nsf/index/Petrie_to_Kippa-Ring
Full study of the Petrie-Kippa Ring Rail Corridor 2005

......................................................................................................................................................

REF adopts the soldier crab as its symbol

Not many of us would know what a Mictyris longicarpus is but, if we saw one, we would call it a 'soldier crab'.

Actually you rarely see one on its own. These crabs are found in very large groups. Hence their name 'soldier crabs'.

Soldier crabs live amongst the mangroves and mud flats around the Redcliffe Peninsula. Here they are scavengers living on small particles of decaying vegetation and animals. They sift through the sand looking for food. They often leave lines of little sand balls or pellets where they have been feeding.

Soldier crabs are one of the few crabs which can walk forwards. Most crabs scuttle sideways. When disturbed, soldier crabs will quickly burrow into the sand in a corkscrew movement.

Soldier crabs are not very big only growing to about 1.5cms. Because they are small they are not found on our tables as lunch or dinner but they do make good food for local birds such as ibises and herons.

The symbol was selected because it is hoped that REF will be a large army of people doing their bit for Redcliffe's environment. The symbol was drawn by REF President Bob Crudgington.

Motivational lines

The Management Committee asked for input from members for a snappy motivational line.

Here are some to think about but better still add your own before Wed Jan 25 when the Committee meets again.

David

The race for environmental excellence has no finish line

REF - where teamwork divides the task and doubles the success.

REF - working together for environmental success.

REF - environmental excellence not an act, but a habit

REF - planting the seeds for an environmentally sustainable Redcliffe

REF - setting good environmental examples

REF - working towards an environmentally sustainable Redcliffe

REF - providing leadership for a sustainable world

From the Management Meeting Jan 11, 06

A marathon meeting lasting 31/2 hours at Bob Crudgington's house dealt with a wide range of issues. This is not unusual for an organisation which is finding its feet and further meetings will be held fortnightly until the work load lessens.

Most of the issues dealt with were routine - where will the mail be directed, where should bank accounts be opened, who are the signatories, what should the letterhead look like - but a fair amount of time was spent examining the Rules of the Forum and what the Forum needed to do to comply with those rules. It was decided to publish the Rules of the Forum on this blog so that members could become familiar with them. Already the Committee is aware of the need to make changes to the Rules and it is hoped that these changes will be placed before members at the first quarterly meeting on April 12.

Member should be aware that the following outcomes were also achieved :

a. the Forum has adopted the soldier crab as its symbol
b. the Forum has set as its major project, the active management of the Hays Inlet
Conservation Park
c. a calendar of events was partially completed ( see this blog ) and
d. a proper website will be established to replace this blog.

Commmittee members have a large number of tasks in front of them especially with organising the Feb 26 Environmental Monitoring training afternoon. It is hoped that many members will participate in this event as environmental monitoring will be an on-going project of the Forum. ( see the Calendar for full details )

Members are asked to assist the Management Committee in deciding on a snappy statement which can be used as a Vision Statement for the Forum. Look at the following and see what you can come up with:

REF - making a difference
REF working to preserve our environment through practical projects.

The Management Committee looks forward to hearing from members.

( Thanks to Bob's wife, Carolyn, for child management and supper )

David Lergessner
Secretary REF.

REF Calendar

Management Committee Meetings

These will rotate amongst members of the committee for the time being.

Members are welcome to attend these meetings and will be accorded speaking rights.

Jan 25, Feb 18, March 8 and thereafter on the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm.

Annual General Meeting
Wednesday November 8 7pm at a venue to be advised.

First Quarterly General Meeting
Wednesday April 12 7-9pm at a venue to be advised. Program to be advised.

***Environmental Monitoring Training Sunday Feb 26 12.30pm - 4pm***
Members wishing to be trained as environmental monitors should keep the afternoon of Sunday Feb 26 free and watch for further information as to program and venue as they become available.

Other dates will be advised but included Clean-up Australia Day, World Environment Week Festival, Redcliffe Show

REF Inc Rules

REDCLIFFE ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM INC RULES


WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS TO HAVE MEANING IN THE ACT


1. A word or expression that is not defined in these model rules, but is defined in the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 has, if the context permits, the meaning given by the Act.


NAME

2. The name of the incorporated association is Redcliffe Environmental Forum Inc

OBJECTS

3. The objects of the association are -

to promote and educate about environmentally sustainable practices

Explanation

Sustainable management of terrestrial and marine environments on and around the
Redcliffe Peninsula with particular reference to the Hays Inlet and Deception Bay
wetland areas.

Sustainable management of plant and animal species in and around the Redcliffe
Peninsula

The protection of the distinctive coastal environments of the Redcliffe Peninsula.

Provision of education programs to school and community groups to foster understanding
of the need to protect and sustainably manage local environments

Monitor and evaluate impacts likely to affect the sustainability of local environments.

to encourage the preservation and quality of the Moreton Bay Marine Park
and ‘green zones’ within Redcliffe

Explanation

Undertake regular monitoring of marine sites around the Redcliffe coastline

Provide training and education packages to assist residents who wish to actively
participate in monitoring the local environment.

Participate in regular environmental maintenance projects such as Clean Up Australia;
National Tree Planting Day

Organise and conduct additional environmental maintenance projects as deemed
necessary in the Redcliffe Peninsula area.

to enhance the lifestyle of residents and visitors to the Redcliffe Peninsula
through the promotion of nature conservation, the arts and healthy
exercise

Explanation

To raise community awareness of the need to sustainably manage the local environment
through education programs, artistic presentations, regular conducted walks through the
local area as well as regular media presentations via local media or relevant web sites

to promote the arts as an expression of a healthy environment

Explanation

To educate the community about the need for an environmentally sustainable Redcliffe
area through such community events as photographic exhibitions, art exhibitions,
multimedia presentations, drama presentations which involve local community members
and others in raising the awareness of the local community.

to promote active exercise via nature walks and other events.

Explanation

To raise community awareness of the need to sustainably manage the local environment
through regular conducted walks through the local area and participate in appropriate
nation wide activities which draw attention to the local environment.

POWERS

4.

(1) The association has the powers of an individual.

(2) The association may, for example -

(a) enter into contracts; and

(b) acquire, hold, deal with and dispose of property; and

(c) make charges for services and facilities it supplies; and

(d) do other things necessary or convenient to be done in carrying out its affairs.

(3) The association may take over the funds and other assets and liabilities of the present unincorporated association known as the ' Peninsula Environment Group'.

(4) The association may also issue secured and unsecured notes, debentures and debenture stock for the association.

CLASSES OF MEMBERS

5.

(1) The membership of the association shall consist of ordinary members, and any of the following classes of members-

(a) associate members;

(b) life members;

(c) honorary members

(d) junior member ( under 18 ).

(2) The number of ordinary members is unlimited.

MEMBERSHIP

6.

(1) A person who, on the day the association is incorporated, was a member of the unincorporated association and who, on or before a day fixed by the management committee, agrees in writing to become a member of the incorporated association, must be admitted by the management committee to the same class of membership of the association as the member held in the unincorporated association.

(2) A member of the incorporated association who, before becoming a member, has paid the member's annual subscription for membership of the unincorporated association on or before a day fixed by the management committee, is not liable to pay a further amount of annual subscription for the period before the day fixed by the management committee as the day on which the next annual subscription is payable.

(3) An applicant for membership of the association, other than the members of the unincorporated association mentioned in subsection (1), must be proposed by 1 member of the association (the proposer) and seconded by another member (the seconder).

(4) An application for membership must be-

(a) in writing; and

(b) signed by the applicant and the applicant's proposer and seconder; and

(c) in the form decided by the management committee.

MEMBERSHIP FEES

7.

(1) The membership fee for each class of membership-

(a) is the amount decided by the members from time to time at a general meeting; and

(b) is payable when, and in the way, the management committee decides.

ADMISSION AND REJECTION OF MEMBERS

8.

(1) The management committee must consider an application for membership at the next meeting of the committee held after it receives-

(a) the application; and

(b) the appropriate membership fee for the application.

(2) The management committee must decide at the meeting whether to accept or reject the application.

(3) If a majority of the management committee members present at the meeting vote to accept the applicant as a member, the applicant must be accepted as a member to the class of membership applied for.

(4) The secretary of the association must, as soon as practicable after the management committee decides to accept or reject an application, give the applicant a written notice of the decision.

WHEN MEMBERSHIP ENDS

9.

(1) A member may resign from the association by giving a written notice of resignation to the secretary.
(2) The resignation takes effect on-

(a) the day and at the time the notice is received by the secretary; or
(b) if a later day is stated in the notice - the later day.

(3) The management committee may terminate a member’s membership if the member -

(a) is convicted of an indictable offence; or

(b) does not comply with any of the provisions of these rules; or

(c) has membership fees in arrears for at least 2 months; or

(d) conducts himself or herself in a way considered to be injurious or prejudicial to the character or interests of the association.

(4) Before the management committee terminates a member’s membership, the committee must give the member a full and fair opportunity to show why the membership should not be terminated.

(5) If, after considering all representations made by the member, the management committee decides to terminate the membership, the secretary of the committee must give the member a written notice of the decision.

APPEAL AGAINST REJECTION OR TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP

10.

(1) A person whose application for membership has been rejected, or whose membership has been terminated, may give the secretary written notice of the person's intention to appeal against the decision.

(2) A notice of intention to appeal must be given to the secretary within 1 month after the person receives written notice of the decision.

(3) If the secretary receives a notice of intention to appeal, the secretary must, within 3 months after the day of receipt, call a general meeting to decide the appeal.

(4) At the meeting, the applicant must be given a full and fair opportunity to show why the application should not be rejected or the membership should not be terminated.

(5) Also, the management committee and the committee members who rejected the application or terminated the membership must be given an opportunity to show why the application should be rejected or the membership should be terminated.

(6) An appeal must be decided by a vote of the members present at the meeting.

(7) If a person whose application has been rejected does not appeal against the decision within 1 month after receiving written notice of the decision, or the person appeals but the appeal is unsuccessful, the secretary must, as soon as practicable, refund the application fee paid by the person.

REGISTER OF MEMBERS

11.

(1) The management committee must keep a register of members.

(2) The register of members must include the following particulars for each member-

(a) the full name and residential address of the member;

(b) the date of admission as a member;

(c) the date of death or resignation of the member;

(d) details about the termination or reinstatement of membership;

(e) any other particulars the management committee or the members at a general meeting decide.

(3) The register must be open for inspection at all reasonable times.

(4) However, before the member may inspect the register, the member must apply to the secretary to inspect it.

SECRETARY

12.

(1) If the association has not elected an interim officer as secretary for the association before its incorporation, the members of the management committee must ensure a secretary is appointed or elected for the association within 1 month after incorporation.

(2) If a vacancy happens in the office of secretary, the members of the management committee must ensure a secretary is appointed or elected for the association within 1 month after the vacancy happens.

(3) The secretary must be an individual residing in Queensland, or in another State but not more than 65 km from the Queensland border, who is -

(a) a member of the association elected by the association as secretary; or

(b) any of the following persons appointed by the management committee-

(i) a member of the association's management committee;

(ii) a member of the association;

(iii) another person.

(4) The management committee may appoint and remove the association’s secretary at any time.

MEMBERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

13.

(1) The management committee of the association consists of a president, vice-president, treasurer, and any other members the association members elect or appoint at a general meeting.

(2) A member of the management committee, other than the secretary, must be a member of the association.

(3) At each annual general meeting of the association, the members of the management committee must retire from office, but are eligible, on nomination, for re-election.

ELECTING THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

14.

(1) A member of the management committee may only be elected as follows-

(a) any 2 members of the association may nominate another member (the candidate) to serve as a member of the management committee;

(b) the nomination must be-
(i) in writing; and
(ii) signed by the candidate and the members who nominated him or her; and (iii) given to the secretary at least 14 days before the annual general meeting at which the election is to be held;

(c) each member present at the annual general meeting may vote for any number of candidates not more than the number of vacancies;

(d) if, at the start of the meeting, there are not enough candidates nominated, nominations may be taken from the floor of the meeting.

(2) A list of the candidates' names in alphabetical order, with the names of the members who nominated each candidate, must be posted in a conspicuous place in the office or usual place of meeting of the association for at least 7 days immediately preceding the annual general meeting.

(3) If required by the management committee, balloting lists must be prepared containing the names of the candidates in alphabetical order.

RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL FROM OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBER

15.

(1) A management committee member may resign from the committee by giving written notice of resignation to the secretary.

(2) The resignation takes effect on-
(a) the day and at the time the notice is received by the secretary; or
(b) if a later day is stated in the notice - the later day.

(3) A member may be removed from office at a general meeting of the association if a majority of the members present at the meeting vote in favour of removing the member.

(4) Before a vote of members is taken about removing the member from office, the member must be given a full and fair opportunity to show cause why he or she should not be removed from office.

(5) A member has no right of appeal against the member's removal from office under this section.

VACANCIES ON MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

16.

(1) If a casual vacancy happens on the management committee, the continuing members of the committee may appoint another member of the association to fill the vacancy until the next annual general meeting.

(2) The continuing members of the management committee may act despite a casual vacancy on the management committee.

(3) However, if the number of committee members is less than the number fixed under these rules as a quorum of the management committee,[1] the continuing members may act only to-

(a) increase the number of management committee members to the number required for a quorum; or

(b) call a general meeting of the association.

FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

17.

(1) Subject to these rules or a resolution of the association members carried at a general meeting, the management committee -

(a) has the general control and management of the administration of the affairs, property and funds of the association; and

(b) has authority to interpret the meaning of these rules and any matter relating to the association on which the rules are silent.

(2) The management committee may exercise the powers of the association -

(a) to borrow, raise or secure the payment of amounts in a way the association members decide; and

(b) to secure the amounts mentioned in paragraph (a) or the payment or performance of any debt, liability, contract, guarantee or other engagement incurred or to be entered into by the association in any way, including by the issue of debentures (perpetual or otherwise) charged upon the whole or part of the association's property, both present and future; and

(c) to purchase, redeem or pay off any securities issued; and

(d) to borrow amounts from members and pay interest on the amounts borrowed; and

(e) to mortgage or charge the whole or part of its property; and

(f) to issue debentures and other securities, whether outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the association; and

(g) to provide and pay off any securities issued; and

(h) to invest in a way the members of the association may from time to time decide.


(3) For sub-section (2)(d), the rate of interest must not be more than the current rate being charged for overdrawn accounts on money lent (regardless of the term of the loan) by -

(a) the financial institution for the association; or

(b) if there is more than 1 financial institution for the association - the financial institution nominated by the association.

MEETINGS OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

18.

(1) Subject to subsections (2) to (16), the management committee may meet and conduct its proceedings as it considers appropriate.

(2) The management committee must meet at least once every 4 months to exercise its functions.

(3) The committee must decide how a meeting is to be called.

(4) Notice of a meeting is to be given in the way decided by the committee.

(5) If the secretary receives a written request signed by at least 33% of the management committee members, the secretary must call a special meeting of the committee.

(6) A request for a special meeting must state-

(a) why the special meeting is being called; and

(b) the business to be conducted at the meeting.

(7) At a management committee meeting, more than 50% of the members elected or appointed to the committee as at the close of the last general meeting of the members form a quorum.

(8) A question arising at a committee meeting is to be decided by a majority vote of committee members present at the meeting and, if the votes are equal, the question is decided in the negative.

(9) A management committee member must not vote on a question about a contract or proposed contract with the association if the member has an interest in the contract or proposed contract, and if the member does vote the member's vote must not be counted.

(10) The secretary must give each management committee member at least 14 days notice of a special meeting of the committee.

(11) A notice of a special meeting must state-

(a) the day, time and place of the meeting; and

(b) the business to be conducted at the meeting.

(12) The president or, if there is no president or if the president is not present within 10 minutes after the time fixed for a management committee meeting, the vice-president is to preside as chairperson at the meeting.

(13) If the president and the vice-president are absent from a management committee meeting, the members may choose 1 of their number to preside as chairperson at the meeting.

(14) If a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the time fixed for a management committee meeting called on the request of committee members, the meeting lapses.

(15) If a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the time fixed for a management committee meeting called other than on the request of committee members, the meeting is to be adjourned to-

(a) the same day, time and place in the next week; or

(b) a day, time and place decided by the committee.

(16) If, at the adjourned meeting mentioned in subsection (15), a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the time fixed for the meeting, the meeting lapses.

DELEGATION OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE POWERS

19.

(1) The management committee may delegate the whole or part of its powers to a subcommittee consisting of the association members considered appropriate by the committee.

(2) A subcommittee may only exercise delegated powers in the way the management committee decides.

(3) A subcommittee may elect a chairperson of its meetings.

(4) If a chairperson is not elected, or if the chairperson is not present within 10 minutes after the time fixed for a meeting, the members present may choose 1 of their number to be chairperson of the meeting.

(5) A subcommittee may meet and adjourn as it considers appropriate.

(6) A question arising at a subcommittee meeting is to be decided by a majority vote of the members present at the meeting and, if the votes are equal, the question is decided in the negative.

ACTS NOT AFFECTED BY DEFECTS OR DISQUALIFICATIONS

20.

(1) An act performed by the management committee, a subcommittee or a person acting as member of the management committee is taken to have been validly performed.

(2) Subsection (1) applies even if the act was performed when-

(a) there was a defect in the appointment of a member of the management committee, subcommittee or person acting as a member of the management committee; or

(b) a management committee member, subcommittee member or person acting as a member of the management committee was disqualified from being a member.

RESOLUTIONS OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WITHOUT MEETING

21.

(1) A written resolution signed by each member of the management committee for the time being entitled to receive notice of a committee meeting is as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a committee meeting that was properly called and held.

(2) A resolution mentioned in subsection (1) may consist of several documents in like form, each signed by 1 or more members of the committee.

FIRST GENERAL MEETING

22.

(1) The first general meeting must be held not less than 1 month, and not more than 3 months, after the day the association is incorporated.

(2) The management committee must decide where the meeting is to be held.

(3) The business to be conducted at the first general meeting must include the appointment of an auditor.


FIRST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

23. The first annual general meeting must be held within 18 months after the day the association is incorporated.

SUBSEQUENT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

24. Each subsequent annual general meeting must be held -

(a) at least once each year; and

(b) within 6 months after the end of the association's previous financial year.

BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

25. The following business must be conducted at each annual general meeting -

(a) receiving the statement of income and expenditure, assets, liabilities and mortgages, charges and securities affecting the property of the association for the last financial year;[2]

(b) receiving the auditor's report on the financial affairs of the association for the last financial year;

(c) presenting the audited statement to the meeting for adoption;

(d) electing members of the management committee;

(e) appointing an auditor.

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING

26.

(1) The secretary may only call a special general meeting by giving each member notice of the meeting within 14 days after-

(a) being directed to call the meeting by the management committee; or

(b) being given a written request signed by-

(i) at least 33% of the members of the association presently on the management committee; or

(ii) at least the number of ordinary members of the association equal to double the number of members of the association presently on the management committee plus 1; or

(c) being given a written notice of an intention to appeal against the decision of the management committee-

(i) to reject an application for membership; or

(ii) to terminate a person’s membership.

(2) A request mentioned in subsection (1) (b) must state-

(a) why the special general meeting is being called; and

(b) the business to be conducted at the meeting.

NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING

27.

(1) The secretary may call a general meeting of the association.

(2) The secretary must give at least 14 days notice of the meeting to each association member.

(3) The management committee may decide the way in which the notice must be given.

(4) However, notice of the following meetings must be given in writing-

(a) a meeting called to hear and decide the appeal of a member against the rejection or termination of the member’s membership by the management committee; or

(b) a meeting called to hear and decide a proposed special resolution of the association.

(5) A notice of a general meeting must state the business to be conducted at the meeting.

QUORUM FOR, AND ADJOURNMENT OF, GENERAL MEETING

28.

(1) Subject to subsection (5), at a general meeting the number of members equal to double the number of members of the association presently on the management committee plus 1 form a quorum.

(2) No business may be conducted at a general meeting unless a quorum of members is present when the meeting proceeds to business.

(3) If a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the time fixed for a general meeting called on the request of members of the management committee or the association, the meeting lapses.

(4) If a quorum is not present within 30 minutes after the time fixed for a general meeting called other than on the request of members of the management committee or the association, the meeting is to be adjourned to-

(a) the same day, time and place in the next week; or

(b) a day, time and place decided by the management committee.

(5) If at an adjourned meeting, a quorum under subsection (1) is not present within 30 minutes after the time fixed for the meeting, the members present form a quorum.

(6) The chairperson may, with the consent of any meeting at which a quorum is present, and must if directed by the meeting, adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place.

(7) If a meeting is adjourned under subsection (6), only the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place may be conducted at the adjourned meeting.

(8) The secretary is not required to give the members notice of an adjournment or of the business to be conducted at an adjourned meeting unless a meeting is adjourned for at least 30 days.

(9) If a meeting is adjourned for at least 30 days, notice of the adjourned meeting must be given in the same way notice is given for an original meeting.

(10) In this rule -

"member" includes a person attending as a proxy or representing a corporation that is a member.

PROCEDURE AT GENERAL MEETING

29.

(1) Subject to these rules, at each general meeting -

(a) the president or, if there is no president or if the president is not present within 15 minutes after the time fixed for the meeting or is unwilling to act, the vice-president is to preside as chairperson; and

(b) if the vice-president is absent or unwilling to act as chairperson, the members present must elect 1 of their number to be chairperson of the meeting; and

(c) the chairperson must conduct the meeting in a proper and orderly way; and

(d) each question, matter or resolution must be decided by a majority of votes of the members present; and

(e) each member present and entitled to vote is entitled to 1 vote only and, if the votes are equal, the chairperson has a casting vote as well as a primary vote; and

(f) a member is not entitled to vote at a general meeting if the member's annual subscription is in arrears at the date of the meeting; and

(g) voting may be by a show of hands or a division of members, unless at least 20% of the members present demand a secret ballot; and

(h) if a secret ballot is held, the chairperson must appoint 2 members to conduct the secret ballot in the way the chairperson decides; and

(i) the result of a secret ballot as declared by the chairperson is taken to be a resolution of the meeting at which the ballot was held; and

(j) a member may vote in person or by proxy or by attorney and-

(i) on a show of hands, each person present who is a member or a representative of a member has 1 vote; and

(ii) in a secret ballot, each member present in person or by proxy or by attorney or other properly authorised representative has 1 vote; and

(k) an instrument appointing a proxy must be in writing; and-

(i) if the appointor is an individual - signed by the appointor or the appointor's attorney properly authorised in writing; or

(ii) if the appointor is a corporation - either under seal or signed by a properly authorised officer or attorney of the corporation; and

(l) a proxy may be a member of the association or another person; and

(m) the instrument appointing a proxy is taken to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a secret ballot; and

(n) if someone wants to give a member an opportunity to vote for or against a resolution, the instrument appointing a proxy must be in the following or like form-

REDCLIFFE ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM:

I, of , being a member of the association, appoint
of ,
as my proxy to vote for me on my behalf at the (annual) general meeting of the

association, to be held on the day of , 20 ,
and at any adjournment of the meeting.

Signed this day of , 20 .


Signature.

* in favour of
This form is to be used the resolution.
*against

*Strike out whichever is not wanted. (Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy may vote as the proxy considers appropriate.); and

(o) each instrument appointing a proxy must be given to the secretary before the start of the meeting or adjourned meeting at which the person named in the instrument proposes to vote; and

(p) the secretary must ensure full and accurate minutes of all questions, matters, resolutions and other proceedings of each management committee meeting and general meeting are entered in a minute book; and

(q) the secretary must ensure the minute book for each general meeting is open for inspection at all reasonable times by any financial member who previously applies to the secretary for the inspection.

(2) To ensure the accuracy of the minutes recorded under subsection (1)(p)-

(a) the minutes of each management committee meeting must be signed by the chairperson of the meeting, or the chairperson of the next management committee meeting, verifying their accuracy; and

(b) the minutes of each general meeting must be signed by the chairperson of the meeting, or the chairperson of the next general meeting, verifying their accuracy; and

(c) the minutes of each annual general meeting must be signed by the chairperson of the meeting, or the chairperson of the next meeting of the association that is a general meeting or annual general meeting, verifying their accuracy.

BY-LAWS

30.

(1) The management committee may make, amend or repeal by-laws, not inconsistent with these rules, for the internal management of the association.

(2) A by-law may be set aside by a vote of members at a general meeting of the association.

ALTERATION OF RULES

31.

(1) Subject to the Associations Incorporation Act 1981, these rules may be amended, repealed or added to by a special resolution carried at a general meeting.

(2) However an amendment, repeal or addition is valid only if it is registered by the chief executive.

COMMON SEAL

32.

(1) The management committee must ensure the association has a common seal.

(2) The common seal must be-

(a) kept securely by the management committee; and

(b) used only under the authority of the management committee.

(3) Each instrument to which the seal is attached must be signed by a member of the management committee and countersigned by-

(a) the secretary; or
(b) another member of the management committee; or
(c) someone appointed by the management committee.

FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS

33.

(1) The funds of the association must be kept in an account in the name of the association in a financial institution decided by the management committee.

(2) Records and accounts must be kept in the English language showing full and accurate particulars of the financial affairs of the association.

(3) All amounts must be deposited in the financial institution account as soon as practicable after receipt.

(4) If an amount of $100 or more is paid by cheque, the cheque must be signed by any 2 of the following-

(a) the president;

(b) the secretary;

(c) the treasurer;

(d) another member authorised by the management committee for the purpose.

(5) Cheques, other than cheques for wages, allowances or petty cash recoupment, must be crossed `not negotiable'.

(6) A petty cash account must be kept on the imprest system, and the management committee must decide the amount of petty cash to be kept in the account.

(7) All expenditure must be approved or ratified at a management committee meeting.

(8) The treasurer must, as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year, ensure a statement containing the following particulars is prepared -

(a) the income and expenditure for the financial year just ended;

(b) the association’s assets and liabilities at the close of the year;

(c) the mortgages, charges and securities affecting the property of the association at the close of the year.

(9) If the association is incorporated within 3 months before the end of the association's financial year, subsection (8) does not apply for the financial year in which the association is incorporated.

(10) The auditor must examine the statement prepared under subsection (8) and present a report about it to the secretary before the next annual general meeting following the financial year for which the audit was made.

(11) The income and property of the association must be used solely in promoting the association's objects and exercising the association's powers.

DOCUMENTS

34. The management committee must ensure the safe custody of books, documents, instruments of title and securities of the association.

FINANCIAL YEAR

35. The financial year of the association closes on 30th of June in each year.

DISTRIBUTION OF SURPLUS ASSETS TO ANOTHER ENTITY

36.

(1) This section applies if the association-

(a) is wound-up under part 10 of the Act;[3] and

(b) it has surplus assets.

(2) The surplus assets must not be distributed among the association members.

(3) The surplus assets must be given to another entity -

(a) having objects similar to the association's objects; and

(b) the rules of which prohibit the distribution of the entity's income and assets to its members.

(4) In this section -

"surplus assets" has the meaning given by section 92(3)[4] of the Act.

.............................................................................................................

[1] For the number of members to form a quorum, see section 18(Meetings of management committee)
[2] This statement is required to be prepared under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981, section 59 (Audit and statement).
[3] Part 10 (Winding-up) of the Act
[4] Section 92 (Distribution of surplus assets) of the Act.

The Earth as you have never seen it before

If your computer runs Windows 2000 or XP and is less than 4 years old then download the FREE Google earth program from www.earth.google.com

This program allows you to navigate anywhere on the earth’s surface and using 2005 imagery move in ‘close and personal’ with what you want to see.

I was able to find my car in the parking lot at Deception Bay High School with out any trouble. It was also obvious from the shadows that the picture was taken early in the morning. I had no trouble finding my house in Eversleigh Rd Scarborough but I was surprised at how much smaller it is than the place next door.

This will be a very valuable tool for environmentalist, scientists, teachers, real estate agents, students and anyone interested in the world around them.

Forum members might like to check out the coastline of Redcliffe with its mix of beaches, groynes, rock walls and mangroves.