Environmental flows to the Gwydir wetlands in New South Wales may resume after a sudden halt led to the deaths of hundreds of turtles, waterbirds, frogs and sheep. Researchers from the University of New England (UNE) have been rescuing turtles stuck in drying mud, with 39 sent to Taronga Zoo in Dubbo.
The flows were stopped by WaterNSW in early March, following a complaint from a landholder about overflow on their property. The water had been released in early summer and was scheduled to continue until mid-to-late April. Conservation biologist Professor Deb Bower described the situation as a 'disaster', noting that environmental water remains in Copeton Dam but has not been released.
Grazier Jonathon Guyer, who manages nearby wetlands, reported finding over 100 bogged sheep and having to euthanise 56 older ewes attacked by crows. He said native birds abandoned nests, and 90% of frogs in the area died. Endangered species such as Australasian bitterns and painted snipes have also fled.
The Gingham watercourse supports four internationally important Ramsar-listed sites. Greens MP Cate Faehrmann, who visited the area, called for the water minister to issue an urgent directive to restart environmental flows. WaterNSW has not yet commented on whether flows will resume.
