Rescued turtles return home after NSW government cut flows to wetland

Key points

• Thirteen rescued turtles have been returned to the Gingham water hole in western New South Wales, which is full again. The turtles were rescued in April after environmental flows to the area were stopped following a landholder complaint, causing deaths of turtles, birds, frogs and sheep.
• Water was turned back on in May after the government changed legislation to protect WaterNSW from liability claims. Taronga zoo in Dubbo is incubating 281 eggs, with hatchlings expected early next year.
• Environment minister Penny Sharpe called the outcome a remarkable conservation opportunity.