MORE PLATYPUS DISCOVERIES IN MELBOURNE’S CREEKS
16 March 2005
Recent surveys along three of Melbourne’s creeks have found 14 platypus, including Lucky, the platypus who was first spotted in 1999 and rescued when a metal band was caught around his neck.
Melbourne Water and the Australian Platypus Conservancy undertook the surveys along Diamond Creek in Eltham, Olinda Creek in Lilydale, and Monbulk Creek in Belgrave, Upwey and Ferntree Gully.
Geoff Williams from the Australian Platypus Conservancy said the surveys helped track platypus numbers and the distribution of populations.
“In most of the surveys, we found platypus that we’ve encountered in previous surveys – including Lucky, who is now six years old and calls the Eltham section of Diamond Creek home,” Mr Williams said.
“We’ve found platypus numbers are increasing along the middle suburban tributaries of the Yarra River, especially in Diamond Creek where platypus can be spotted as far upstream as Wattle Glen.”
Melbourne Water Managing Director, Rob Skinner, said litter in rivers and creeks still continued to be a problem for platypus.
“Melbourne Water manages almost 4000 kilometres of rivers and creeks and invests $23 million annually on protection and improvement projects. These projects include litter traps and wetlands to minimise litter and pollution entering rivers and creeks,” Mr Skinner said.
“But it is extremely important that people understand that litter dropped in the street can end up in our rivers and creeks, and cable ties and security rings from food and drink containers can be fatal to platypus.”
The surveys found:
Diamond Creek
Four platypus. A juvenile male had an elastic band around its neck. The band was removed by the Australian Platypus Conservancy.
Olinda Creek
Five platypus, all found in previous surveys. Most were found near the wetlands system near Hull Road, which was built by Melbourne Water in 1999 and designed not only to improve water quality in the creek but also to create extra platypus feeding habitat. The wetlands could also have provided a refuge area from the high flows during the floods.
Upper Monbulk Creek (Belgrave and Upwey)
Four platypus, all found in previous surveys.
Monbulk Creek (Ferntree Gully)
One male platypus, found in a previous survey in the same area.
Melbourne Water invests about $23 million annually on protecting and improving creeks and rivers. This program is funded through drainage rate contributions.