New reptile residents for Nogoa River

Council recently relocated over 2,000 turtles to the Fairbairn Dam and Nogoa River, of which more than 500 turtles now call the Fairbairn Dam home just in time for the 50th anniversary celebrations.

During the relocation process, Krefft’s river, Eastern long-necked and Broad-shelled River turtles were all found and safely relocated by expert ecologists.

After living in four settling ponds behind the Park Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, these reptiles will have more room to continue growing Emerald’s turtle population.

‘As part of the 2021/22 Capital Works projects, we are currently in the process of installing a new discharge pipeline removing the requirement for the use of the wastewater treatment ponds,’ said Infrastructure and Utilities General Manager Jason Hoolihan.

‘Knowing this would disrupt the turtle population at the plant, a major part of this project was working with our contractor AquaPS and GHD to ensure we safely move them.’

‘This project was a win for all with the new discharge pipeline set to make the wastewater process more efficient and cost-effective and allowing the turtles to thrive in the dam.’