Rescued turtles return home after NSW government cut flows to wetland
Freshwater turtles are being returned to a wetland in New South Wales after a government-ordered water cut caused an environmental crisis. The incident, which led to significant wildlife deaths, prompted a policy shift to protect environmental water flows from liability claims.
Why it matters
This illustrates the conflict between private landholder rights and environmental conservation, and the subsequent legislative response to prevent ecological damage.
Of the 39 rescued turtles, two had to be humanely euthanised. The remaining 37 were healthy enough to be rehabilitated. Photograph: NSW Government Of the 39 rescued turtles, two had to be humanely euthanised. The remaining 37 were healthy enough to be rehabilitated. Photograph: NSW Government New South Wales Rescued turtles return home after NSW government cut flows to wetland Environmental water to the area was halted after a complaint from a private landholder, leading to the deaths of wildlife and sheep
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Prefer the Guardian on Google Freshwater turtles rescued from a dried-up water hole in western New South Wales after the state government cut environmental water to the area are being returned home.
Late last month, 10 broad-shelled turtles and three Murray River turtles were released back into the Gingham water hole in the state’s Gwydir region.
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