Leading experts from the Australian Platypus Conservancy (APC), Dr Melody Serena and Geoff Williams, will again be visiting the North Central region in October to host a free community information evening in Baringhup. 

The community event follows on from three successful events held during August at Gunbower, Cohuna and Durham Ox, and will highlight platypus populations in local waterways, as well as recording local sightings and providing more information on the general biology and habitat requirements of these unique animals.  The community meeting will be held at the Baringhup Hall (supper room) on Wednesday 20 October from 6.30-8.30pm.

Coordinated by the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), the event has been organised as part of the Loddon Stressed River Project, with funding for the project provided from the State Government’s Large Scale River Restoration program.

Project Manager Jon Leevers said that due to the increase in our river flows over recent weeks, along with warmer weather, platypus numbers are likely to intensify and this is a great opportunity to capture this information. 

“The information gathered at these types of community meetings helps the North Central CMA better understand the health of our waterways and the benefits of river health works. Both historical and recent sightings are critical to the APC for gathering baseline information about the platypus and the changes in distribution and populations over time,” said Mr Leevers.

Dr. Serena has been studying platypus in the wild since 1989 and her work has been featured widely in the media. She will be working with the North Central CMA to map the current distribution and status of platypus in the Loddon River by systematically collecting reports of platypus sightings from local landholders. 

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is one of the world's most amazing animals.  Often described as a living fossil, the platypus is a furry, warm-blooded, egg-laying mammal which has some of the same features as reptiles.  The platypus is found exclusively in Australia, with populations occurring in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.  The species is known to occur throughout the North Central region and the planned public information session will let people know how they can help to monitor populations and what they can do to ensure the persistence of this species into the future.

Admission is free for all and a light supper will be included. Please RSVP by Friday 15 October to info@nccma.vic.gov.au or telephone 03 5448 7124. Further information can also be obtained from the North Central CMA website www.nccma.vic.gov.au.

For further information please contact: 

Communications Officer, North Central CMA
PO Box 18, Huntly VIC 3551
t: 03 5448 7124
e: info@nccma.vic.gov.au