MINUTES OF COMMITTEE MEETING (24/09/2007)

MINUTES OF COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD 24TH SEPTEMBER 2007 5.30PM AT STEPS, STANTHORPE

1.     Present:

• Malcolm Balch, John Boucher, Michael Boucher, Bob Johnson, Lorene Long, Ann Barry, Vic Pennisi, Chris Wren, Anne Barry, Dee Booth, Sue Johnson

2.     Apologies:

• Cameron Gow, Peter Watters, Trevor Cooper
• Absent: Tim Carnell, Mark McNichol.

3.     Minutes:

• Moved Vic that minutes of last meeting as circulated be accepted as a true and accurate record.
  • Seconded Ann Barry.
  • Carried. 

4.     Matters arising from minutes: 

• Warwick has decided to hold a plebiscite, in part due to our input, which is very pleasing.
• A total of 87 councils representing 650,000 people are participating, including Blackall, Tambo, Sarina, Warroo and Nebo, all of whom we have been working with.
• We are incorporated.
• Moved Bob “That we get quotes on $10million public liability insurance”.
• Seconded Anne.
• Carried.
• Malcolm had e-mailed Mayor of Redcliffe re rally there on 7th October, but had had no response. Any rally postponed until after the date of plebiscite is announced.
• Anne and Dee have sent 8 letters to papers in marginal seats. Also to Roseann Barrett at Courier Mail (Des Houghton did not publish the media release).
• Dinner at Ballandean postponed till 4th October.
• Signs – quotes from 3 local businesses. Action Graphics cheapest. 100 coreflute signs 600mm x 900mm in 2 designs have been ordered, cost $632.60 total.
• Ann supplied costing for dinner at Summit Bowls Club. $15 per head standard.

5.     Financial Statement:

• $10 499.50 in bank + $346 to deposit.
• Accounts for payment: Free Times $345
• STEPS hire of meeting room $15.
• Moved Malcolm that Financial Statement be accepted and that accounts be passed for payment.
  • Seconded Anne L.
  • Carried.

6.     Fundraising:

• Dinner at Ballandean postponed till 4th October.
• Dinner at Summit Bowls Club to be held over till we know when the plebiscite is to be held. Could look for sponsors to help defray costs.
• Ann B. has sent out 15 letters seeking donations.

7.     Media Releases and Advertising:

• Anne and Dee have sent 10 letters to editors.
• A & D have sent 8 letters to papers in marginal seats.
• Full page ads in Border Post and Free Times last week.
• Same this week.
• Ads to be placed in 8 papers in marginal seats seeking interest in independent candidates to stand in those seats, preferences to go to conservatives – could be Anti-Amalgamation Alliance.
• Anne reminded all that letters to editors are very important, also to send copies by mail of any letters to the Premier.
• Moved Dee  “That Dee ask the Border Post to supply as many copies as possible of the full page ad in colour”.
  • Seconded Chris.
  • Carried.
• Lorene suggested that in next advert., say that signs are available for people who want them, to put round town.

8.     General Business:

• National Civic Council attempting to get some active mayors (Gary Peoples, Yvonne Chapman, Donna Stuart, Bob Oakes)  together with reps from NCC to go to Canberra to lobby Prime Minister to motivate the AEC to expedite the  plebiscite.
• Chamber of Commerce lunch with Premier Bligh at Cathedral Centre in Toowoomba on Friday 28th.
• Moved Chris Wren  “That SOSAG pay for 4 councillors and Malcolm to attend the luncheon”.
  • Seconded Anne L.
  • Carried.
• Moved Anne L  “That SOSAG members, at the luncheon, present a submission which will include a request to receive a small delegation in Brisbane or at a place of her choice”.
  • Seconded Bob J.
  • Carried.
• Plan for Future
  • Stand candidates in marginal seats, with preferences directed to conservatives.
    • Education programme prior to plebiscite.
    • Plebiscite.
    • Delegation to Premier Bligh
    • When results of plebiscite are known, lobby with professional lobbyists and become militant.
    • Pool money with other shires to pay for lobbying.
• Moved Anne  “That Sue & Bob with help make definite contact within the next week with Councils and Action groups with a view to meet and develop a combined action plan prior to the plebiscite”.
  • Seconded John Boucher.
  • Carried.

Next meeting to be held 1st October, same time, same place.

Meeting closed by President at 7.45pm.

AGENDA FOR COMMITTEE MEETING 1ST OCTOBER 

1.     Apologies

2.     Minutes of previous meeting

3.     Confirmation of minutes

4.     Matters arising from minutes

5.     Financial report

6.     Accounts for payment

7.     Reports:

        a. Fundraising

        b. Media and advertising

        c. Networking

8.     Correspondence

9.     Any other business

10.    Next meeting