Wetlands Disaster: Water Cut Off, Wildlife Perishes

An ecological crisis is occurring in the Gwydir wetlands near Moree, New South Wales, following the abrupt cessation of environmental water flows by WaterNSW in early March. This action, reportedly prompted by a landowner complaint, has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of animals, including turtles, frogs, waterbirds, and sheep.

Researchers from the University of New England are working to rescue stranded turtles, many of which are older females carrying eggs. Scientists describe the situation as a disaster, highlighting that water remains available in Copeton dam, yet its release has been suspended. This has left wildlife struggling in dried-up watercourses, with many animals, like sheep, becoming bogged and vulnerable.

The Gingham watercourse, a vital part of four Ramsar-listed sites, relies on a combination of rain, floods, and managed environmental flows. The suspension of these flows until mid-to-late April has devastated the local ecosystem, causing native birds to abandon nests and a significant loss of frogs. Efforts are underway to relocate surviving turtles to Taronga Zoo, though authorities acknowledge the need to reinstate flow deliveries.