Advocating for the Platypus
Platypus Watch- Putting Perridak Back on Track
Undertaken in August 2023, our latest report Putting Perridak Back on Track, documents our observations of platypus decline in the Werribee River over the past 25 years, and offers recommendations for a path forward.
The report notes the impact of land-use change on local populations, and cites the results of eDNA and live-trapping surveys as evidence of a decrease in numbers.
The recommendations note that improvements to vegetation, stormwater and flows are the major factors contributing to the protection of the species. The report advocates for the implementation of collaborative programs of monitoring, research and action. Â
WRA was the first community agency in Victoria to arrange platypus surveys, commencing in 1997, in partnership with Australian Platypus Conservancy.
We are committed to further advocacy for platypus water sensitive urban design, with a focus toward planning controls.
- Improve irrigation practices and reduce water extraction
- Remove barriers (dams and weirs) no longer in use
- Improve stormwater quality
- Encourage uptake of regenerative agriculture (organic inputs and biological pest control) and discourage use of herbicides, pesticides and fungicides
- Adopt platypus water sensitive urban design in new development areas, and upgrade existing settlements to align with these values