A MEETING to discuss an action plan and find funding to help combat problems of erosion of the Peel River anabranch will take place between the Wallamore Rd Landcare group, councillors and member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson next week.

The issue of the erosion of the anabranch has concerned residents for some time now and was raised with  Environment MinisterRobyn Page at the community cabinet meeting held in the city in December. 

Wallamore Rd property owner David Gowing said the issue of erosion had been an ongoing problem but in recent years had been made worse by floods.  

“Individual landholders have undertaken some erosion control projects of their own accord,” he said. 

“But the reality is the problem is too big for any individual.

“We need support from council and the state government to try and rectify the issues the erosion is causing.”

Mr Gowing said the landcare group hoped, following the meeting on Thursday, a plan would be in place to work out what council could do to help and how submissions could be made to secure funding to fix the erosion issues. 

“We know the work to fix the problems and remediate the anabranch will have to be substantial,” he said. 

Mr Gowing said one of the biggest problems caused by the erosion was landowners not being able to access areas of their property.

“In my case the erosion has led to the Higgins Crossing being impassable and I can’t get from one side of my property to the other,” he said. 

“It’s to the point where chunks of the anabranch are falling off and all that is left is a steep embankment.”

Mr Gowing said he hoped the meeting, which will also include the Catchment Management Authority, would result in some suggestions and strategies being put in place. 

“All we are asking for is a plan and some help to put that plan in motion.”