A leading expert from the Australian Platypus Conservancy (APC), Dr Melody Serena, will be working with the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) in August, visiting Gunbower, Cohuna and Durham Ox, and will hold a number of public talks about monitoring platypus populations and the general biology and habitat requirements of these incredible animals.

Dr Serena has been studying platypus in the wild since 1989 and her work has been featured widely in the media. In addition to giving the public talks, Melody will be working with the North Central CMA to map the current distribution and status of platypus in the Gunbower Creek, Serpentine Creek and lower Loddon River by systematically collecting sightings and reports from local landholders. She will also be advising the North Central CMA on actions to minimise short-term impacts of willow-removal programs on local platypus populations.

The talks and the wider monitoring program have been organised by the North Central CMA in response to recent community interest in the ongoing health and well being of platypus within the Gunbower Creek and Loddon River system. This is the start of a long term partnership between the North Central CMA, APC and the local community to actively monitor and record sightings of platypus across these waterways.

Understanding the current populations of important species such as the platypus will mean that the works the North Central CMA are undertaking along the Gunbower Creek and the Loddon River system can be completed to improve the habitat values for these species and that improvement works do not disturb existing populations. Platypus monitoring is part of a wider monitoring strategy that will also assess fish and turtle populations as well as the health of streamside vegetation.

Trent Gibson, Project Manager for the Kerang and Gunbower Wetland Enhancement projects, said that removing willows and replanting with native vegetation will result in improved environmental conditions for platypus and other species, such as Australian Water-rats, Turtles and native fish, in the long-term.

“The CMA is committed to ensuring that works to improve river health are completed to the highest standard possible.  Our ability to monitor species such as the platypus provides the North Central CMA with important insight about the overall health of these waterways. The CMA are pleased that the Australian Platypus Conservancy has agreed to assist with an ongoing monitoring program aimed at monitoring local platypus numbers in these important waterways,” said Mr Gibson.

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is regarded as one of the world's most amazing animals.  Often described as a living fossil, the platypus is a furry, warm-blooded, egg-laying mammal and 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 North Central Victoria, and the planned public information sessions 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.

The free information sessions are open to everyone and are being held at the following locations:

·   Gunbower     Wednesday 18 August, 7.00 - 8.30 pm, Gunbower Football Club
·   Cohuna         Thursday 19 August, 7.00 - 8.30 pm, Council Chambers
·   Durham Ox   Friday 20 August, 6.30 - 8.00pm at Durham Ox Memorial Hall

Admission is free for all and light refreshments will be included. Please RSVP by Tuesday 17 August 2010 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