NSW wetlands ecological disaster after water flows halted, killing wildlife
Consensus Summary
In early March 2026, WaterNSW halted environmental water flows to the Gwydir wetlands near Moree after a landholder complained about inundation of private land. This decision led to the drying of the Gingham watercourse, trapping over 300 turtlesāincluding endangered speciesāin mud, with at least 15 confirmed dead. Researchers from the University of New England rescued 39 turtles, relocating them to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, while other wildlife such as waterbirds, frogs, and sheep also suffered severe impacts. The water intended for ecological restoration was being held in Copeton Dam, despite the wetlands being Ramsar-listed and critical for the Murray-Darling Basinās health. Water Minister Rose Jackson stated the government is working to reinstate flows while managing liability risks, though environmentalists and traditional owners criticized the delay, calling it an 'environmental catastrophe' and 'incomprehensible.' The situation highlights tensions between agricultural interests and ecological protection in Australiaās largest river system.
ā Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- WaterNSW abruptly stopped environmental flows to the Gwydir wetlands region near Moree in early March 2026, following a landholder complaint about inundation of private land.
- Over 300 turtles (including broad-shelled, Murray River, and eastern long-necked turtles) were trapped in drying mud at the Gingham watercourse, with at least 15 confirmed dead and 39 rescued and relocated to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.
- The Gingham watercourse supports four Ramsar-listed wetlands, and the affected area includes nationally threatened species like the Murray River turtle, which conservationists fear may disappear from the region.
- Water Minister Rose Jackson stated the government is working to reinstate environmental flows while managing liability risks, and that 39 turtles have been relocated to Taronga Zoo pending refilling of the Gingham waterhole.
- The environmental water was being held in Copeton Dam, despite the water being intended for ecological purposes under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
- Researchers from the University of New England (Prof Deb Bower) described the situation as a 'disaster' and 'incomprehensible,' noting that water could save the turtles but was being withheld.
- Other wildlife affected includes waterbirds (e.g., Australasian bitterns, painted snipes), frogs (90% of which died in one area), and sheep (56 euthanized due to mud trapping).
- The flow cessation occurred despite the Gwydir wetlands being a Ramsar-listed site and critical for the Murray-Darling Basinās ecological health.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Polly Cutmore, a Kamilaroi traditional owner, stated the impact on wildlife was 'heartbreaking' and criticized irrigators for 'calling the shots,' emphasizing the wetlands are 'our country.'
- Bradley Moggridge, a Kamilaroi water scientist, said the lack of water to culturally significant waterholes disrupts Kamilaroi peopleās connection to their land.
- Grazier Jonathon Guyer reported native birds abandoned nests and fledglings, and endangered grey snakes were also affected.
- Greens MP Cate Faehrmann provided video footage of scientists digging for turtles and called the situation an 'environmental catastrophe,' demanding immediate reinstatement of flows.
- The Guardian reported that WaterNSW received no advice from the government about the circumstances leading to the flow stoppage, and the decision was made without notice to local conservationists like Guyer.
- The ABC described the turtles as 'burying themselves metres into the mud,' emphasizing the ecological disaster as a 'canary in the coal mine' for the Murray-Darling Basin.
- The ABC noted a large fishkill occurred due to receding water levels, and kangaroos were forced onto private land in search of food and water.
- Greens MP Cate Faehrmann stated during a government briefing that water delivery to several wetlands was stopped in March 2026 due to 'threats of legal action by one or two landholders downstream.'
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian states that WaterNSW stopped flows in March 2026, while the ABC does not specify an exact date but aligns with the timeline of early March.
- The Guardian mentions 39 turtles were relocated to Taronga Zoo, while the ABC does not specify the exact number but confirms turtles were rescued and transported to the zoo.
- The Guardian includes a quote from Prof Richard Kingsford calling the decision 'appalling' and 'absolutely crazy,' while the ABC does not include this quote but describes the situation similarly.
Source Articles
Water NSW criticised for āappallingā decision after hundreds of turtles left to die in wetlands
River ecologist says āclassic bureaucratic tangleā led to government agency stopping flows to Gwydir wetlands region in March Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A leading scientist has criticised an āappallingā New South Wales government agency decision to stop water flowing to wetlands in the stateās north-west, saying it was āabsolutely crazyā that researchers had to scramble to save animals buried in drying mud. Guardian Australia reported on Saturday that turtles, w
Scientists dig broad-shelled turtles stuck under mud in dried up wetlands ā video
Footage supplied by the office of the Greens legislative council member Cate Faehrmann shows scientists digging to reach broad-shelled turtles stuck under boggy mud in the Gingham watercourse.Ā Researchers from the University of New England have been desperately trying to help more than 300 turtles they say have been left to die in the Gwydir wetlands after the NSW state water agency stopped environmental flows after a landowner complained about overflow on their property. UNE conservation biolog
āIncomprehensibleā: birds flee and hundreds of turtles left to die after government cuts water to NSW wetlands
Frogs and sheep in the Gwydir wetlands near Moree have also been bogged after WaterNSW stopped environmental flows, researchers say An āincomprehensibleā disaster is unfolding at wetlands in New South Wales after the state water agency abruptly stopped environmental flows in the stateās north-west, leading to the deaths of turtles, waterbirds, frogs and sheep. Researchers from the University of New England (UNE) have been desperately trying to help more than 300 turtles they say have been left t
Turtles buried under mud at NSW wetlands after water inflows halted
Researchers in north-west NSW are wading through thick mud in an attempt to save hundreds of turtles after the NSW government decided to stop supplying water to the protected wetland.