Habitat restoration to benefit our beloved platypus is taking place across the state thanks to the $24 million Platy Patch Project.
With guidance from the Arthur Rylah Institute, 14 critical platypus sites across Victoria have been identified for restoration over the next four years – At some sites projects are already underway.
The project has received significant co-funding from the Australian Government, Victorian Government and Melbourne Water.
Platypus are considered vulnerable in Victoria, with evidence of a population decline across the state.
The species requires reliable water, stable river and stream banks to burrow, as well as plenty of riverbank vegetation and woody habitat to provide food.
Works funded by the Platy Patch project will include extensive revegetation, weed control, fencing and reinstatement of instream woody habitat in waterways.
Smart water rain tanks will also be installed and used along Monbulk Creek to ensure creek flows are appropriate throughout the year.
The project is jointly funded by:
- the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program
- the 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
- catchment management authorities.
The project will also partner with Australian Platypus Conservancy, Traditional Owners, Parks Victoria and Landcare.
The project is 1 of 11 in Victoria to share in $44.3 million of grant funding from the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under Round 2 of the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program.
Find out more about the Platy Patch project.
Page last updated: 04/07/25