Parkwater Forest Management Group

A Parkwater residents group has been formed over the past couple of years known as the Parkwater Forest Management Group. The group meets regularly to discuss important matters such as the maintenance of the surrounding bushland, local community functions and to voice any concerns regarding the estate.

To find out more information, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact the President: David Groves 0418 945 359 .

The group is looking to work in conjunction with the National Trust who maintain the bushland. As more residents become involved, it is hoped further social functions and recreational events will take place so everyone within the estate can get to know each other better and become an even more closer knit community.

The Parkwater Forest Management Group meets bi-monthly at the Cowaramup Bowling Club and invites anyone who is interested to attend. Please contact the above mentioned email address to confirm the next meeting date.

We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting!

Please find below the Minutes of the Meeting held on the 2 November 2011:

Date: 7pm 2/11/11

Location: Cowaramup Bowls Club

• The previous minutes of the July 2011 meeting were accepted.
• 3 Rangers from AMRS were in attendance. Gavin Jennion spoke in regards to the forthcoming summer fire season and highlighted the following points:

- There is much more detail in this year’s fire notices which should be read closely by all residents.

- After 9/11/11, all burns will require a permit.

- Parkwater is considered a high risk zone and has been prioritized this year with inspections scheduled for 6/12/11. Rural inspection in the area to commence 21/12/11.

- Over hanging trees should be cleared from around dwellings – 1.5 m around the house and 4 metres above the gutter line.

- Vacant land

Bush blocks: hazardous leaf material above 5 cm in depth is not acceptable. Broken branches etc must be removed. Large fallen trees/logs are can remain in place but must have a 1m clearance buffer around them.

Cleared lots: Grass levels must be kept below 10cm from 6/12/11 until 12/5/12.

- Standard fine is $250 but can go up to $5,000 if the matter is taken to court.

- If a reasonable attempt is made to meet the necessary fire standards but falls below the requirements, then a warning will be issued which gives the owner 21 days to rectify the problem. If no attempt made, an instant fine will be applied.

- Gavin confirmed that if the necessary works are not completed within 21 days, then the Shire will instruct a contractor to undertake these works and the land owner will be charged accordingly.

- Gavin could not give a contractors list as the Shire may be held liable if a recommended contractor doesn’t do the works properly.

- Potential Contractors: Wallcliffe Bushfire Unit (Controlled burns), Check Rotary Directory or contact Cowaramup Agencies for further information.

- This year the Shire is mainly concerned with the under storey hazardous material build up but tree canopies will be looked at more closely in future years.

- Apparently 4 year rolling burns is best for fire safety and biological reasons as recommend by the Australian Safety Standards.

- A 1m clearing around sheds & water tanks, 2m clearance around wood piles is also required.

- Photographic records of each site are now kept annually.

Shire works around the estate. Kathy Webster has been in contact with the Shire and summary of their forthcoming works is as follows. Kathy suggested all future correspondence be addressed to Gary Evershed - CEO, AMRSC to get the best results:

Slashing of Brockman reserve and Parkwater oval is booked for this Thursday November 4, 2011

Road side and marginal area weed control is under way and ongoing , which will reduce the fire hazard and improve the out look of the subdivision

Infill planting of dead and storm damaged landscaping On Sunset and Brockman has commenced as requested

Parkwater Play ground should be open for business by Friday 5 November 2011

There is a roll out of dog related signage and strategic dispensers scheduled for this year - I will need to check if Brockman reserve is on the list. it would be the obvious location for a dispenser.

Irrigation at Parkwater oval will be commissioned hopefully by mid November - this will change the whole maintenance focus for Parkwater, by increased mowing requirements and associated maintenance.

• Jill Turton – representing Cowaramup Parks & Halls: They would like to become more involved in Parkwater & invited Dave Groves to next Monday’s meeting. Apparently the majority of the mowing of the parks & ovals within central Cowaramup is undertaken on a voluntary basis & is not paid for by the Shire. It was discussed about trying to get the same person to do mowing in Parkwater, but given they were acting on a voluntary basis this was not really possible.
• Speed Signs – Nathan Bowler had been following up this matter & Dave Groves was in contact with Main Roads WA today. They are in the process of installing speed signs with Brockman Rd & Sunset Dr which will be 60 km per hr and the side streets 50 km per hr zones. Brockman Rd heading in from Caves Road will be 80 km per hr.
• Street Lights – are all apparently in working order now.
• Village Centre – Ben Roach / Palmer Group confirmed plans are currently on hold due to the existing economic conditions.
• National Trust – Helena Mills: She will be main the liaison person from now on instead of Tom Perrigo. She has only been involved with Parkwater for 2 months but is happy to discuss any problems with the residents directly. She handed various maps and business cards.

- Summary of National Trust funding: Currently receiving around $65,000 to $75,000 pa in residents fees. $25,000 pa is spent in retrieving levies and legal documentation when properties sell. Balance goes to Rob John Nominees for the bushland maintenance.

- Dave Groves mentioned $25,000 for administration costs seemed too high and should be looked into further in the future.

- Helena said they had today been inspecting some of the creekline areas in regards to fire maintenance with a Fire Consultant for professional advice. She was unsure where the funding for these works would come from but this would need to be looked at in the forthcoming months.

- Rob John Nominees do not have a formal contract in place with the Trust. Rob John suggested he was happy for other parties to give quotes on these works but either way a formal contract specifying various works really needs to be finalized.

- Nathan Bowler mentioned a lot of rabbits are breeding throughout the estate. Given this is a public area, Helena suggested it is too dangerous to bait and therefore the rabbits are very difficult to control.

- Nathan also mentioned he had noticed areas of Marri – kanka and Helena mentioned she had also noted today areas of Karri amarlia. The Trust will therefore need to determine a management plan for these areas.

- Helena stated that overall health of the bush was good in some parts and bad in others.

- General Business: Jill Turton mentioned there will be a Christmas Lights contest this year in Cowaramup and you can register in the pharmacy. She would like the Parkwater residents to be involved & overall pull Parkwater and the rest of Cowaramup together as single community.