Erosion control works are underway as the first step towards addressing a major environmental problem in the Bannockburn Creek and Macintyre River to the north of Inverell.

The Nationals Duty Senator for New England John Williams had raised the problem with the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority after meeting with landholders from the area and being shown evidence of a sand plug choking both waterways near their junction.

Senator Williams said the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has acted immediately and engaged the Soil Conservation Service to inspect eroding sites and recommend a rehabilitation program.

"The Soil Conservation Service inspected a number of properties and found that a combination of granite soils, sheep grazing, cultivation of marginal country, impacts of rabbits and drought over many decades have led to heavy erosion and a resultant build-up of sediment in the lower reaches of Bannockburn Creek. This sand plug is then washed for several kilometres into the Macintyre River.

Farmers have told me good, reliable water holes in the Macintyre River have been swallowed up by the sand and it is getting worse.

General Manager of Border Rivers–Gwydir CMA Paul Hutchings committed $77,500 of CMA funds for three landholders to undertake an erosion control program.

Mr. Hutchings has informed me that a feasibility study is also underway to consider removal of the sand plug in the Bannockburn Creek and Macintyre River and has applied for funding from the Federal Government's Caring for our Country program.

I will also raise this serious environmental problem with Minister Ludwig, and I commend the Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA for its prompt response," Senator Williams said.