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Mitchell River platypus habitat gets $1.2M investment as part of statewide $24M co-funded Platy Patch Project

A $1.2m investment will restore platypus habitat in the Mitchell River under the $24m Platy Patch Project, tackling threats and improving waterways through revegetation, habitat structures, and community partnerships.

By news@gippsland - 26th August 2025 - Back to News

An investment of $1.2m has been secured to support and protect platypus habitat in the Mitchell River, one of 14 project areas across Victoria. The work forms part of the landmark $24 million 'Platy Patch Project', a four-year, statewide initiative receiving significant co-funding from the Australian government, Victorian government, and Melbourne Water.

The project is funded by Melbourne Water, Australian and Victorian governments, and partners including GlaWAC, Zoos Victoria, landholders, and community groups, guided by Arthur Rylah Institute expertise. Photo credit: Zoos Victoria

Protecting platypus habitats

Although platypus is often sighted in waterways in East Gippsland, populations have declined substantially across mainland Australia, particularly in urban and agricultural areas. Platypus are recognised as vulnerable in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. The aim of this Victoria wide project is to rehabilitate streamside and aquatic habitats to help protect existing waterways that platypus rely on to survive.

Some of the common threats to platypus include land clearing and habitat degradation including bank erosion, sedimentation and pollution, as well as predation, population fragmentation, fishing by-catch and climate change. The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has identified multiple sites along the Mitchell River that are well suited for platypus habitat.

Restoring river habitats

East Gippsland CMA CEO Bec Hemming said, "The project will include introducing instream woody habitat structures in some areas, weed control, revegetation with native species and working with landholders to fence off riverbanks to restrict stock access."

"Once established, the instream woody habitat structures provide many functions that aim to benefit platypus populations. The structures will become home to aquatic plants to grow on, water bugs to live on providing both food and shelter for platypus."

"Revegetating the riverbanks with native vegetation complements the instream structures by providing a whole range of benefits. Some of these benefits include reducing sediment runoff into the river, improving water quality, providing habitat for terrestrial animals, food for aquatic animals, and shade for the water, which helps control water temperature during the hotter months," said Bec.

Collaborative conservation effort

The project is jointly funded by the:

• Australian government's Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program
• Victorian government
• Melbourne Water
• Under the guidance of the Arthur Rylah Institute (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 Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GlaWAC), DEECA, Australian Platypus Conservancy, Parks Victoria,local landholders and community groups.

Pictures from East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com