By Tanya Faulkner
Locals are being encouraged to learn more about local wildlife during a celebration of one of Australia’s cutest native animals.
The Yarra Ranges Council is hosting a Platypus Festival, a free community event for families to come down and learn about the web-footed creature that resides in several locations around the municipality.
Locals and their children will have the opportunity to learn the values of the local environment, including the platypus, and what they can do to help protect wildlife in the Hills.
Yarra Ranges Council climate resilience buildings officer Vinnie Aulich said platypus numbers are in decline nationally, and are listed as vulnerable in Victoria.
“Locally, populations are impacted by a number of factors, including habitat loss and degradation, disturbance and significant weather events such as droughts or periods of significant rainfall,” he said.
Mr Aulich said locals can expect a fun day of activities in the beautiful setting of Belgrave Lake Park at the Platypus Festival.
“There will be music, platypus education, art activities, food and face painting available for locals,” he said.
Lyster Ward Councillor Cr Johanna Skelton said local residents of all ages will enjoy learning how to save the platypus at this event.
“I think it will change the way we look at our water catchments.
“Whether we think about it or not, all of us in the Yarra Ranges have a part to play in saving this species.
It’s important that we prevent harm by ensuring our backyard is free of chemicals or weedy plants that might go into the waterway, and by keeping your dog away from their habitat,” she said.
Cr Skelton said volunteering with local ‘Friends of’ or Landcare groups can also help improve local water health, among other simple activities.
“Helping pick up rubber hair bands when we spot them, participating in citizen science surveys, slowing water runoff and never using Opera nets all help.
“There are so many ways we can ensure that the incredible Platypus remains in our area for the next generation, and this event will help you connect with the species to give you a ‘why’ as well as a ‘how’.
“It’s also just a fun, family friendly and free event,” she said.
The event will be held on Sunday 22 October from 11am to 3pm at the Belgrave Lake Park for locals to enjoy.
