AGM is 9 August - put it into your calendar to ensure we have a quorum.

To subscribe for yourself, send a message to "freshwaterfisher (then the little 'at' symbol, then) viridia.com.au" with 'Subscribe' in the subject line. To unsubscribe, send a message with 'Unsubscribe' in the subject line.

An archive of previous editions of the newsletter can be found on the NSW CFA’S website at www.freshwateranglers.com.au.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is responsible for the operation of the distress beacon system within Australia. These beacons are EPIRBs for use in boats, ELTs for use in aircraft and PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons) for other uses such as on land by anglers in remote areas.

The current system of beacons operating on the 121.5 MHz frequency will be phased out (ending on 1 February 2009) and a new system based on 406 MHz distress beacons is being phased in to take its place.

The currently available 121.5 MHz beacons are relatively cheap and use analogue technology. These will no longer be supported by the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system from 1 February 2009 and the 406 MHz beacons will be used instead. 406 MHz beacons use digital technology that allows a unique identify (often called the HexID) to be transmitted when a beacon is activated. This HexID corresponds to an entry in a registration database that provides the search and rescue authorities with valuable information about the owner of the beacon. The system also provides a position to within 5 kms of the beacons position when activated. A homing signal on the beacon allows searchers to home in on the beacon once in the general area. If the beacon has a GPS interface, the position passed over the satellite system to the Rescue Coordination Centre is accurate to within 120 metres.

At the moment 406 MHz PLBs can be purchased for as low as $699 for a standard model and $899 for a GPS capable PLB (See RFD Australia at www.rfd.com.au). It is expected that the two Australian companies who introduced low cost 406 MHz EPIRBs (GME and KTI) over the past two years will release ‘pocket size’ PLB models in the next few months. The GME and KTI model PLBs are expected to be similar in size and weight to their 121.5 MHz models. It is expected that pricing will be similar to their EPIRBs which are now selling for about $450. The GPS capable beacons will probably be about $200 dearer than the standard models. Further information can be sought from GME (www.gme.net.au) and Pains Wessex Australia (www.painswessex.com.au).

We are grateful to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority for assisting with this information.

The NSW government has released the Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management. You can get it in PDF form from http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/k_np_mgmtplan.

It is the first plan of management in Australia to take into account the likely impact of global warning.

At a quick glance it doesn't look too adverse for anglers. It acknowledges the importance of the recreational fishery, at the same time as naming trout among the usual suspects for impact on some native species. It includes comments on the possible development of a bass fishery in the lower Snowy River and mentions planned improvements to some facilities for anglers (trail and path management, toilets etc). It also indicates that future management of the Park’s recreational fishery will be based on cooperation between NSW NP&WS and NSW DPI (Fisheries).

Coroner Brian Donnelly has handed down his findings and recommendations after the inquest in May into the drownings of Helmut Neubach, Eddie Collett and Robert Moss in Lake Eucumbene in 2005/2005.

Pointing out that two of the anglers were drowned just two weeks before the start of summer, and the other at the height of summer, the coroner found that the anglers were caught out by the propensity of the region’s conditions to change quickly and severely. He also found that though the anglers had been carrying PFDs in their boats, they were not wearing them and once in the water they could not access them or use them.

Coroner Donnelly commented: ‘Simply carrying personal flotation devices is useless in these circumstances. It is like a motorist being required to have seatbelts fitted to his car, but only being required to fasten them in the event of a collision.’

‘Boats are in fact worse than cars and motorcycles in this respect, for when a car or motorcycle stops, the danger is eliminated. Even when stopped, a boat’s occupants are still in danger from the water. People can and do still fall from boats at a standstill, when standing up, changing positions or reeling in a fish for example.’

The Coroner formally recommended that the wearing of Type 1 PFDs at all times in alpine waters in boats of less than 5 metres should be incorporated into the proposed Maritime Safety (General) Regulation.

Members present Ian, Stefan, Bill, Peter, Charles, Les, Scott, Max, Paul, Alan, Bruce, Geoff, new (re-joining) member George.

Apologies: Damian H, John.

Meeting declared opened by Ian and all members welcomed.

Minutes of the previous meeting had been disseminated by e-mail and were accepted.

No inwards correspondence was presented to the meeting.

$977.00 at bank.

Council of Freshwater Anglers annual affiliation fees were paid - $45 on the basis of 30 members.

Fly casting training day is coming up and all members are asked to commence tying flies for raffles. Dates were confirmed as 10 (note Father's Day), 17 and 24 Sep. Geoff will check with the trout farm. Ian will discuss with Mark S and Stuart the question of instructor. Bill will handle publicity and Stefan the drinks.

Ian may be able to attend the August CFA meeting.

Holders of trophies are asked to contact Ian, for return of trophies. This needs to be done in the next 2 weeks to arrange engraving. Note that the Mick O'Brien trophy for best trout remains open till the end of July. Best trout in the book is Alan's 72 cm brown.

Looking for member not holding an executive committee post, or a non-member, to act as auditor for the books.

Geoff will bring costed options for the proposed Club overseas trip.

Discussion was held in respect of the executive positions. Most appeared to be willing to continue. President indicated his willingness to retire if someone wishes to depose him.

Paul fished Broulee with some nice weather

Fly tying training has commenced and well received - many thanks to Stuart for facility and teaching.

This was discussed and following agreed:

This was discussed and following proposed:

Supplementary ideas that might be slipped into the program as required/available are:

• 'Trout Bum Diaries' video
• Gillie's Sage Fly Casting Analyser (Geoff to explore)
• Peter Hayes (Geoff to explore)
• 'one fly per night' - members volunteering to demonstrate/instruct on interesting/different flies - looking for volunteers here.

The President declared the meeting closed with the next meeting - AGM - to be held on 9 Aug 2006.

Ian Bill

President Secretary