Key facts
- 13 rescued turtles have been returned to the Gingham water hole in western New South Wales.
- 281 eggs from rescued turtles are being incubated at Taronga zoo.
- Environmental flows were stopped to the Gingham water hole, leading to wildlife deaths.
- Water flows were restored after new legislation was passed.
- 24 turtles remain in care and are expected to be returned by year-end.
Freshwater turtles rescued from a dried-up water hole in western New South Wales are being returned to their habitat after the state government restored environmental water flows. The Gingham water hole in the Gwydir region had become critically dry after WaterNSW stopped environmental flows following a complaint from a private landholder, leading to the deaths of turtles, birds, frogs, and sheep.
In April, 39 turtles were rescued and taken into care at Taronga zoo in Dubbo. The situation gained public attention after scientists from the University of New England raised the alarm and footage of researchers digging for surviving turtles was released. In May, the government expedited legislation to protect WaterNSW from liability when delivering environmental flows, and water was turned back on.
Late last month, 13 of the rescued turtles were released back into the Gingham water hole, which is now replenished. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe called it a "remarkable conservation outcome." Twenty-four turtles remain in care and are expected to be returned by the end of the year after health checks. Additionally, 281 eggs from rescued turtles are being incubated at the zoo, with hatchlings anticipated early next year.