Rescued turtles return home after NSW government cut flows to wetland

Freshwater turtles rescued from a dried-up water hole in western New South Wales are being returned home after the state government cut environmental water to the area. Late last month, 10 broad-shelled turtles and 3 Murray River turtles were released back into the Gingham water hole in the state’s Gwydir region.

The environment minister, Penny Sharpe, described the return of the turtles as a “remarkable conservation outcome.” Additionally, 281 eggs from the rescued turtles are currently incubating at Taronga Zoo in Dubbo. The water hole had been the site of a rescue mission in April after scientists from the University of New England raised alarms about an “incomprehensible” environmental catastrophe.

WaterNSW had stopped environmental flows to the area following a complaint from a private landholder, which led to the deaths of turtles, birds, frogs, and sheep. Environmental flows refer to water released by the government from dams and tributaries into rivers and ecosystems to maintain or restore their health.

The situation sparked public outcry after scientist Deb Bower spoke to Guardian Australia, with footage taken by NSW Greens water spokesperson Cate Faehrmann showing researchers digging through mud to find surviving turtles. A total of 39 turtles were taken into care at Taronga Zoo.