Protecting Platy Patches in Traralgon Creek
Beloved Platypus need healthy rivers and creeks to thrive. We’re working to protect their patch by restoring degraded sections of Traralgon Creek with 10,000 native plants, a new wetland and plenty of space for these shy creatures to hide.
About the project
Platypus numbers are falling because they’re losing their habitat. Polluted waterways, urban development and impacts of dams and droughts on flowing water are all contributing to a decline in platy numbers.
To survive, platys need stable banks for burrowing, plenty of waterbugs to eat, healthy streamside vegetation, plenty of in-stream woody habitat and reliable flow through the creek or stream they live in.
We love platys and want to help them survive and thrive in waterways once again. So, we’re working with partners to restore high-quality habitat at three key locations along Traralgon Creek on Gunaikurnai Country, where Platypus are known to live.
The work involves:
- Removing invasive weeds.
- Planting around 10,000 native trees and shrubs.
- Installing fences to keep livestock out.
- Reinstating a natural billabong (wetland) alongside the creek to create more habitat for platys and other wildlife.
- Connecting the adjoining wetlands with reeds and rushes to create a safe movement pathway for platypus.
Improving habitat and restoring these sections of the creek will also benefit other wildlife, including the vulnerable Australian Grayling fish and the Australasian Bittern, a critically endangered waterbird.
The Latrobe Valley community will be able to enjoy the newly greened spaces as a place to connect with nature and, if they’re lucky, spot a shy Platypus.
This Traralgon Creek project is one of 14 waterway restoration projects happening across the state under the Platy Patch Project.
Funding
The Platy Patch 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.
Project partners
- Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change
- Arthur Rylah Institute for Environment Research
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
