A bold new investment from the state and Commonwealth governments will see $24 million funnelled into critical environmental restoration efforts aimed at protecting Victoria’s iconic platypus and other threatened species.
The landmark Platy Patch project will restore habitat at 14 key sites across the state over the next four years, guided by the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research (ARI), Victoria’s premier ecological research centre.
Platypus populations are in decline across Victoria and are listed as vulnerable, largely due to habitat degradation. The species depends on stable riverbanks for burrowing, rich vegetation for food, and woody debris for shelter.
The Platy Patch project will target these specific needs through revegetation, weed control, and reintroduction of woody habitat. Smart rainwater tanks will also be installed along Monbulk Creek to regulate water flow throughout the year.
“This is a significant collaboration that brings together extensive knowledge and experience that will ensure we’re protecting and enhancing these important habitats for the platypus and other threatened species,” said Minister for Water Gayle Tierney.
Additional Urban Rivers funding will support “daylighting” projects on Eumemmerring and Tarralla Creeks, reviving 1.7 kilometres of buried waterways into natural habitats.
Meanwhile, Bunurong Memorial Park will be transformed with $8.3 million into a green corridor linking to the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands Ramsar site.
“The platypus is an iconic Australian species and we’re making sure it, and a range of other threatened species, have the habitats they need to thrive,” said Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos.
