Platypus populations in North East Victoria are set to flourish thanks to a landmark $24 million four-year, statewide initiative designed to improve critical streambank and aquatic habitats.
Platypus are considered vulnerable in Victoria, with evidence of population decline across the state.
The species requires stable river and stream banks to burrow, as well as healthy native riparian vegetation and abundant in-stream woody habitat to accommodate their food sources.
As part of the 'Platy Patch Project', North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) will undertake a range of rehabilitation works including riparian revegetation, extensive willow control and the installation of woody habitat along the urban waterway interfaces in the region.
These waterways include the Lower Ovens River and Three Mile Creek in Wangaratta and the Lower Kiewa River and House Creek in Wodonga.
Latest Stories
“[Previous] monitoring indicates platypus have been recorded in low numbers within these urban waterways," NECMA's acting manager of Healthy Waterways, Lisa Farnsworth said.
"It is hoped the rehabilitation work will result in more successful breeding, increased sightings and an increase the connectivity of suitable habitat for the species.
"We are enormously fortunate to have some magic waterways right on our back doorsteps.
"This project emphasises the importance of maintaining healthy urban waterways for the benefit of both biodiversity and the general public.
"Platypus are an ecological health indicator species of our waterways.
"The restoration work undertaken as part of this project will improve the health of our urban waterways and address the needs of a suite of other aquatic species including invertebrates, frogs and threatened fish.”
NECMA will promote the project in a series of platypus themed events in collaboration with local landholders, traditional owners, councils, Landcare organisations, schools, artists and local businesses.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, the Victorian government and Melbourne Water, under the guidance of the Arthur Rylah Institute, with the support of One Tree Planted, Zoos Victoria and other catchment management authorities.
