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Water Flow to Gwydir Wetlands Halted, Prompting Rescue and Government Review

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Water Suspension Triggers Ecological Crisis in Gwydir Wetlands

In March, WaterNSW halted environmental water inflows into the Gwydir wetlands, leading to the drying of sections of the wetland system, the rescue of turtles by researchers, and reported wildlife impacts.

Government officials state they are working to resume water deliveries while managing concerns from a downstream landholder.

Event Overview

In March, WaterNSW halted environmental water inflows into the Gwydir wetlands near Moree. Environmental flows are releases from dams and tributaries intended to maintain river and ecosystem health. The decision followed threatened legal action from a nearby landholder concerned about the inundation of private property. The water intended for the wetlands is being held in Copeton Dam.

The Gingham watercourse, part of the wetlands system, has dried up as a result. This watercourse supports four wetland sites listed under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for wetland conservation.

Reported Ecological Impacts

Researchers from the University of New England have reported several consequences following the cessation of water flows:

  • Turtle Rescue and Mortality: Researchers excavated approximately 40 broad-shelled turtles from drying mud in the Gingham watercourse, an adaptation for dormancy during dry periods. These turtles were transported to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo for care. Researchers reported finding approximately 15 dead turtles. Previous population studies indicated an estimated 300 turtles in the catchment.

  • Species Displacement and Mortality: Researcher Professor Deb Bower reported evidence that some eastern long-necked turtles had left the site in search of water. A fish kill was reported due to low water levels. Grazier Jonathon Guyer reported the event caused native birds to abandon nests and fledglings, frog deaths, and affected other species.

  • Wildlife Movement: Researcher Debbie Bower reported that nearby wildlife, such as kangaroos, are moving to private land in search of water and resources.

The Gwydir Wetlands are located in the northern Murray-Darling Basin and support nationally listed threatened species, including the eastern longneck, broadshell, and Murray River turtles.

Official Statements and Perspectives

Government Officials

NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson stated WaterNSW temporarily suspended flows due to liability risks from potential land inundation.

The government stated it is working on pathways to reinstate water deliveries while managing property impacts and had worked to relocate turtles, which would be returned when the watercourse refilled.

Researchers and Academics

  • Professor Richard Kingsford, a river ecologist at the University of New South Wales, described the decision to withhold water as "appalling" and said a "catastrophe" was unfolding. He stated a solution involving environmental flows had been agreed upon but a process involving a landholder was preventing the water's release.

  • Researcher Debbie Bower argued the situation could be addressed by releasing water from Copeton Dam, stating, "The turtles are just the canary in the coal mine for the ecological disaster that is occurring in the Murray-Darling Basin."

Political and Community Perspectives

  • Greens MP Cate Faehrmann said during a government briefing she was told water delivery was stopped because of legal action threats from downstream landholders. She stated, "The environmental water is there, it's in the system, it's in the dam, it's been purchased, it should have made its way to the dams."

  • Polly Cutmore, a Kamilaroi traditional owner, expressed concern about the impact on wildlife and stated that irrigators appeared to have significant influence over water decisions.

  • Bradley Moggridge, a Kamilaroi water scientist, noted that if water does not reach culturally significant waterholes, it affects the ability of Kamilaroi people to maintain cultural connections.

Guardian Australia has sought further information from the NSW government and has approached the NSW Irrigators' Council for comment.