Protecting our precious platypus

The Werribee River is home to one of our most iconic native species; the platypus. Although recent explorations suggest there's breeding pairs in the river, overall platypus numbers have declined over the past 25 years. 

The Werribee River Association are helping to monitor and protect the Werribee River Platypus, through their Platypus Watch Project, an innovative citizen science initiative, which received funding through our Thriving Communities grants and sponsorships program last year.

The project brings together community members and Victoria University researchers to conduct water quality testing along key stretches of the Werribee River. Citizen scientists involved in the project have even toured Victoria University laboratories to learn about the equipment and processes used to analyse their water samples.

Community members and Victoria University researchers conducting water quality testing at Cobbledicks Streamside Reserve, along the Werribee River.

One of the project's long-term goals is to determine how platypus might repopulate the river, and monitoring the water quality is a step towards reintroducing the species.

The grant has funded water quality testing and has also facilitated community engagement and education activities. The Werribee River Association has hosted educational stalls at popular local events, reaching thousands of people from Melton and Werribee.

These community events have provided opportunities to discuss water quality, showcase the platypus, and highlight how everyone can contribute to healthier river systems.

The findings from this ongoing research will be shared with the community at the conclusion of the project, helping us all better understand and protect the platypus populations in the Werribee River for generations to come.

The Platypus Watch Project is just one of many environmental initiatives supported through our Thriving Communities grants and sponsorship program. Learn more about the program on our Thriving Communities page.