The land around the Mary River has been cleared many times leading to low quality water and a build up of silt. Invasive plants along the river bank have also contributed to the lack of breeding success because they make it difficult for Mary River Turtles to go ashore and lay their eggs.
The clearing of land surrounding the Mary River has led to poor water quality and sedimentation, while invasive vegetation along the riverbank hinders the breeding success of Mary River Turtles by restricting their ability to nest.