Now there are moves to "free Lilly", a threatened green sea turtle living in Eraring power station's inlet canal.

The power station is working with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Native Animal Trust Fund to remove the turtle.

Locals have named the turtle Lilly and posted video of her on YouTube.

Native Animal Trust Fund president Audrey Koosmen said she wanted the turtle removed before winter.

"She will get very cold when the water temperature drops and could end up in a lot of trouble," Ms Koosmen said.

"We've had several turtles from the inlet in winter and they've been critically ill."

Eraring environment manager Neil Williams said an unsuccessful attempt was made before Easter to capture the turtle and return her to the ocean.

"We're going to try again and keep going until we're successful," Mr Williams said.

He said the power station had removed turtles from the inlet, but they were easier to move when sick or debilitated.

"Lilly is quite healthy," he said.

"Turtles can move freely between the lake and inlet canal. There's nothing stopping it from going out, if it so chooses."

Turtle enthusiast Alison Dunne said the inlet was a popular fishing spot and fishing hooks, rubbish and the inlet's grills threatened turtles.

"I don't think turtles should be left in there," Ms Dunne said.

"Some get injured or sick in there and die."