The degradation of the Shag River is a concern, Otago Regional Council natural hazards analyst Richard Woods says.
A public meeting in Palmerston this week was told the changing nature and physical features of the river had been analysed, including by aerial photography.
The river was still degrading in the active channel margin, and there had been a significant decline in the sediment supply, Mr Woods said.
Sediment has been linked to mining in the Deep Dell area. The meeting attracted a good representation of farmers and contractors from within the Shag River catchment, Waihemo Community Board chairman Rod Philip, of Bushey, said.
It was agreed the status quo should be maintained as the river and the river gravel were still needed, Mr Philip said. Another recent study of the river, commissioned by the Waitaki District Council, looked at the possibility of water storage and irrigation.
