Operating Guidelines for the Cubberla-Witton Catchments Network

·         The Network operates as a facilitating and networking group.  Where an incorporated body is required as a sponsor for purposes such as grant applications, the Network will request The Hut Environmental and Community Association Inc. (THECA) to be the auspicing body for the Network;

·         The Network is open to:

(a) individuals who register with the Network (“participating individuals”); and

(b) groups working on environmental projects in the catchments, such as Waterwatch Queensland, THECA, Habitat Brisbane bushcare groups and other interested environmental groups, which register with the Network (“participating groups”);

·         The Network will have a Steering Group comprised of participating individuals and/or delegates from participating groups;

·         The Network will have a Convenor who is a volunteer participating individual or a volunteer from a participating group;

·         The Network will convene quarterly general meetings;

·         A quorum at general meetings will be one delegate from each of at least one third of the participating groups;

·         Only one delegate from each participating group will be entitled to vote at general meetings;

·         At general meetings participating groups will have one vote each;

·         A volunteer participating individual or a volunteer delegate from a participating group will represent the interests and concerns of the Network at meetings of the Brisbane Catchments Network.  The volunteer will report back to the Network on the outcomes of such meetings;

·         The Network will report to participating individuals and participating groups through a quarterly newsletter called Catchments Cooee and also through the Network’s internet website.

A.       Functions of the Convenor:

1. Functions to be performed in relation to meetings:

·         convene periodic Steering Group meetings;

·         convene quarterly general meetings;

·         invite participating individuals and delegates from participating groups to attend quarterly general meetings;

·         request agenda items (preferably in writing) to be submitted one week in advance of a general meeting;

·         arrange a Chairperson for general meetings by rotation of delegates from participating groups;

·         arrange for the recording of minutes of general meetings;

·         arrange for the maintenance of an attendance book for general meetings;

·         send out notices of general meetings to participating individuals and members of participating groups by email;

2. Send and answer correspondence on behalf of the Network;

3. Assist with the annual submission for the Environment Grant;

4. Write the annual report for the Environment Grant;

5. Make arrangements for:

·         publication of the Catchments Cooee newsletter; and

·         the operation of the Network website;

6. Liaise with Government personnel.

B.       Auspicing agreements with THECA

The Network will negotiate auspicing agreements with THECA for each grant application. The agreements will cover matters such as the following:

·         the extent of involvement THECA will have in the project;

·         the roles and responsibilities of other people in the project;

·         what services will be provided by THECA;

·         responsibility for insurance and other legal requirements for the project;

·         provision of office space and equipment;

·         financial reporting.

C.       Insurance

The Network will arrange effective insurance cover for public and products liability, personal accident liability and association liability.