According to the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA), the recent discovery of a Platypus in Birch's Creek is a wonderful indicator of the resilience of the Creek and the ecological environment in a time of on-going drought and climate change.

On a recent site visit to Birch's Creek community member Ron Cosgrove and the CMA's Environmental Flows Officer, Michelle Bills sighted a Platypus in a shallow pool near Smeaton.

"The North Central CMA and the local community are aware of the declining health of Birch's Creek," said Michelle Bills.

"Birch's Creek has significant environmental values and inhabitants, such as the River Blackfish, whose distribution has decreased over past years, due to the on-going drought".

Mr Cosgrove added "In times of drought it is very easy to forget that we need a continued commitment to the environment. During these times of prolonged drought we need to better understand our rivers, in particular how plant life, wildlife and other water creatures need to be supported".

Goulburn Murray Water (G-MW), together with the North Central CMA has been working closely on managing the creek. The recent increase in releases for three days from Newlyn Reservoir is aimed to provide multiple benefits to river users and the environment.

"The increased flows freshen the pools and improves the water quality of the creek," said Michelle Bills.

The North Central CMA have undertaken a vast array of activities to rehabilitate the creek, including an environmental flows study, willow removal, fencing, revegetation, Blackfish surveys and habitat reinstatement.

"Sighting this Platypus reinforces to us that these and other activities are helping to make a difference for the Creek, its inhabitants and the communities that rely on them", said Michelle Bills.

North Central CMA and G-MW will continue to jointly monitor the water quality of the Birch's Creek system to ensure that common interests including water security, water availability and the protection of the creek environments deliver maximum benefits to the creek under the ongoing drought conditions.

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