Environmental Crisis in New South Wales Wetlands

An environmental crisis has emerged in the Gwydir wetlands of New South Wales after the state water agency, WaterNSW, abruptly halted environmental water flows in early March 2026. This decision, reportedly made following a complaint from a landholder regarding potential flooding of private land, has led to the deaths of numerous animals, including turtles, waterbirds, frogs, and sheep. Researchers from the University of New England (UNE) have been actively rescuing over 300 turtles trapped in drying mud, with many already deceased. The Gingham watercourse, which supports four Ramsar-listed sites, has been severely impacted, prompting urgent calls for action from scientists and conservationists.

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The cessation of water flows has had dire consequences for local wildlife. Prof. Deb Bower, a conservation biologist at UNE, described the situation as a "disaster," noting that the deaths of turtles are just the most visible signs of a broader ecological collapse. Grazier Jonathon Guyer reported that the sudden stop in water flow caused native birds to abandon their nests, leading to the death of fledglings and a significant decline in frog populations. He stated that "90% of frogs" in the wetlands have perished, and endangered migratory species have also fled the area.

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Polly Cutmore, a Kamilaroi traditional owner, expressed her heartbreak over the situation, emphasizing the cultural significance of the wetlands and criticizing the lack of consultation with Indigenous communities. Bradley Moggridge, a Kamilaroi water scientist, highlighted the importance of maintaining water access to uphold cultural connections to the land.

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The NSW water minister, Rose Jackson, acknowledged the situation, stating that the government is working to identify pathways to reinstate water deliveries while managing liability concerns. Jackson confirmed that urgent efforts have been made to relocate turtles, with 39 currently housed at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, awaiting the refilling of the Gingham watercourse.

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Critics, including Greens member Cate Faehrmann, have condemned the government's actions, labeling the situation an "environmental catastrophe." Faehrmann called for an immediate directive to restart environmental water flows, emphasizing that the wetlands should be thriving and supporting diverse wildlife at this time of year.

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There are discrepancies regarding the extent of the ecological damage and the number of animals affected. While some sources report hundreds of turtles and other wildlife casualties, others focus on the broader implications for the ecosystem without providing specific figures. Additionally, the exact advice received by WaterNSW regarding the landholder's complaint remains unclear.

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• “These deaths are incomprehensible, given there is environmental water sitting in the dam. This could save the turtles, but WaterNSW is just not allowing its release,” — Prof. Deb Bower, Conservation Biologist, University of New England

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• “It’s a classic bureaucratic tangle which should never happen.” — Prof. Richard Kingsford, River Ecologist, University of New South Wales

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• “The devastation of it all is heartbreaking,” — Jonathon Guyer, Grazier and Conservationist

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• “It’s so disrespectful – they keep doing this stuff without even talking to us when it’s our country,” — Polly Cutmore, Kamilaroi Traditional Owner

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The situation in the Gwydir wetlands underscores the critical need for balanced water management that prioritizes both environmental health and the rights of local communities.

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