The first stage of a landmark conservation program for one of Australia’s most elusive animals, the platypus, is about to get underway in Brisbane.
Brisbane City Council has secured close to $1.9 million in Australian Government funding to rehabilitate valuable platypus habitat.
The ‘Repairing urban creek habitat for Platypus in Brisbane’s Bullockhead Creek’ project is focused on a well-known haven for platypus and will include:
- Habitat repair
- Weed removal
- Creek revegetation with native species
The Council says project planning works will begin in early 2025.
“Brisbane is Australia’s most biodiverse capital city and our incredible plant and animal populations are part of what makes our lifestyle so fantastic,” said Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner.
“Seeing a platypus in the wild is extremely rare, so it can take years for researchers to compile the information they need to help platypus populations grow.
“By investing in these important programs, we can protect one of Australia’s most elusive creatures and grow their population in our waterways for years to come.”
The project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
“We want to leave nature better off for our kids and grandkids – and that’s why we’re restoring rivers and waterways in our suburbs with a $200 million investment,” said Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek.
“Nearly half of all nationally listed threatened animals and a quarter of our threatened plants are in urban areas, home to 96% of Australia’s population.
“And with so many native plants and animals reliant on our rivers, creeks, wetlands, and estuaries, protecting and restoring the health of our waterways is essential.
“This critical funding is good news for native wildlife and the community – improving the quality of the urban spaces that we all share and love.”
The project is part of the wider Boost Platypus by 2032 plan to support the conservation of platypus across Brisbane now and into the future which includes the Platyplanting and Platypools initiative Lord Mayor Schrinner committed to ahead of the March 2024 election.
Platypus populations are in decline across Australia and this year there were just 35 confirmed sightings of platypus in Brisbane waterways.
Research work is currently underway as part of the Platypartnerships element of the wider Boost Platypus by 2032 plan, with the University of NSW and the University of Queensland working hand in hand with the Brisbane City Council to track platypus movement and assess waterway health.
In addition to this, 100 sites across Brisbane have been sampled this year for platypus DNA to provide data for future projects.
“The Schrinner Council has a strong track record in protecting Koala’s by preserving bushland, building world first Koala crossings and undertaking important research and we want to give our Platypus population the same treatment,” said Council Chair for Environment, Parks and Sustainability Tracy Davis.
“As we work with different levels of government to deliver these important outcomes, we can continue this vital work to protect and preserve platypus populations now and into the future.”
Other initiatives to be explored in the Boost Platypus by 2032 plan include:
- Platysigns – signage to improve awareness of platypus in creeks
- Albany Creek
- Bullockhead Creek
- Cabbage Tree Creek, Lake Manchester
- Kholo Creek
- Gold Creek
- Jindalee Creek
- Pullen Pullen Creek
- Shelley Creek
- Sandy Creek
- Platyplatforms – platform to provide viewing and education of platypus in waterways without disturbing the habitat
- Pilot site at Bullockhead Creek, Wacol
- Platycam trial – live feed footage at known platypus hotspot sites
- Platypals – ongoing support for Creek Neighbours and Bush Kindy that support platypus populations
Planning works for creek rehabilitation are expected to begin in the coming weeks.