North East CMA has received $690,000 to restore critical habitat for platypus in the urban areas of Wodonga and Wangaratta. This is part of a landmark $24M Platy Patch, four-year statewide initiative, co-funded by the Australian Government, Victorian Government, and Melbourne Water.
North East CMA is working in partnership with Landcare, Traditional Owners, Parklands Albury Wodonga and private landholders to complete works that address threats to platypus habitat.
The project aims to improve streambank and aquatic habitats for Platypus. It also benefits other threatened species and vegetation communities. Works will include controlling invasive willows and woody weeds, improving river banks and in- stream habitat, revegetation and fencing to protect waterways.
North East CMA is supported by the Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI) who are leading the monitoring component of Platy Patch to estimate the future benefits and impacts of on-ground actions to restore Platypus habitat.
Willow control works are soon to commence in the Wangaratta and Wodonga Areas.
Link to Media release: Looking after Platys in our Patch!
Link to statewide MR: Working Together To Help The Platypus Thrive | Premier
Link to ARI Website: Helping platypus recover
Platy Patch is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, the Victorian Government, and Melbourne Water, under the guidance of ARI, with the support of One Tree Planted, Ballarat City Council, Coliban Water, Zoos Victoria, and catchment management authorities. The project will also partner with Australian Platypus Conservancy, Traditional Owners, Parks Victoria and Landcare.
