an urgent call for help

The turtles of the Lower Lakes and Coorong in South Australia desperately need your help.

Click on 'Read More' to learn more about the issue, find out how you can help and see a video outlining the problems.

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Insufficient flows into the 'Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance' listed Lower Lakes and Coorong has resulted in the Lakes now being 0.81 metres below sea level and 1.5 metres below usual levels. Thousands of hectares of the lakes and river-bed have been exposed, which has resulted in acid sulfate soils developing in some areas.  The lack of freshwater inflows has greatly increased the salinity levels in the lakes, with salinity reaching 15 times normal levels in Goolwa.

The increased salinity has allowed the parastic tubeworm Ficopomatus enigmaticus to enter the lake system via the Coorong which is having a devastating effect on the freshwater turtles.  It encrusts their shells, making it difficult to move and feed, eventually killing them.  Thousands have been affected and still continue to be rescued today.

There are two turtle rehabilitation centres operating, one at Goolwa and another one at the Eastern Fleurieu School, Milang.  The Goolwa facility is family run by Chris and Robin Smith and their daughter Deanne.  They have had massive electricity bills of $1600 a quarter this winter as the turtles have been in such poor condition they could not hibernate.  The Goolwa rehabilitation centre badly needs public donations to keep operating.  Donations can be made by posting a cheque or money order to:

• Native Animal Network c/- Chris Smith Goolwa Turtle Rehabilitation PO BOX 336 GOOLWA SA 5214

Australia is no stranger to drought, but the over-allocation of water from the Murray Darling Basin for irrigation is having a devastating effect on the environment. Natural lakes of the River Murray in South Australia are being sacrificied to meet irrigation needs.

The only solution is for the Murray Darling Basin to be taken over the by Federal Government, and water allocations for the environment to be increased.  If you wish to help you can:

• Email Kevin Rudd: 'Email Your PM'
• Visit 'HurrySaveTheMurray.com'

Information provided by Regina Durbridge

See here the release of turtles from the local area that have been rehabilitated.