By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Monbulk Creek has been awarded $9.6 million in funding from the Federal Government to help protect the Platypus and other local wildlife – the funding, which was applied for by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), is part of a larger $200 million program aimed at improving urban rivers and creeks across Australia.
The money will be used for the ‘Urban Rivers Platypus Recovery Initiative’, locally known as ‘The Platy Patch’.
“The platypus is a cherished and threatened native species, and we’re taking action to ensure it has the habitat it needs to thrive for generations to come,” a DEECA spokesperson said.
“At Monbulk Creek, we’re installing smart rainwater tanks to manage stormwater and reduce its damaging effects on habitat – providing clean and flowing platypus rely on for healthy vegetation and stable banks for burrowing.”
“The Victorian Government done more than any previous government in the state to stop the decline of our native species – backed by a historic $609 million investment to protect the natural environment, native wildlife and the habitats they depend on to survive and thrive into the future.”
This project will focus on making the creek’s banks and waters healthier for Platypus and other endangered animals like the Growling Grass Frog, Southern Bent-wing Bat, and Yarra Pygmy Perch.
One of the key parts of the project is a new ‘Smart Water Network’, which will help control water flow in the creek, reducing the damage from storms and ensuring the creek has enough water during dry spells.
Flash floods are a big problem for Monbulk Creek, washing away the creek banks, destroying Platypus burrows, and muddying the water, which makes it harder for Platypus to find food.
The new system will connect local lakes to the creek through pipes that will deliver water when it’s most needed – this will help keep the creek at a healthy water level, protecting the animals living there.
Melbourne Water is working with other groups like the University of Melbourne, South East Water, Yarra Ranges Council, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) to deliver the project.
The goal is to use new technology, such as smart rainwater tanks and storage lakes, to control the water flow and reduce flooding.
The local community will also play an important role in protecting the creek.
Melbourne Water acting executive general manager, Brett Andersonis is encouraging people in the area to join the ‘Tanks for Platypus’ program.
“Melbourne Water is working with partner agencies and all levels of government to save the only platypus population in the Dandenong catchment, at Monbulk Creek,” Mr Andersonis said.
“Melbourne Water is connecting Belgrave Lake and two lakes within Birdsland Reserve to the Monbulk Creek Smart Water Network with a pipe network which will deliver water to the creek when the platypuses need it most.”
“The best part of this initiative is the community’s active involvement in platypus conservation and protecting the health of their creek.”
Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek has welcomed the investment, calling it an important step in protecting the Platypus and other local wildlife.
“We want to leave nature better off for our kids and grandkids – and that’s why we’re restoring rivers and waterways in our suburbs with a $200 million investment,” Ms Plibersek said.
“Nearly half of all nationally listed threatened animals and a quarter of our threatened plants are in urban areas, home to 96 per cent of Australia’s population.”
“And with so many native plants and animals reliant on our rivers, creeks, wetlands, and estuaries, protecting and restoring the health of our waterways is essential – this critical funding is good news for native wildlife and the community – improving the quality of the urban spaces that we all share and love.”
Senator for Victoria Lisa Darmanin also praised the funding.
“This funding is crucial to the restoration of the Monbulk Creek and supporting our community’s efforts to protect the waterway’s habitat that native species dependent on healthy waterways like the Platypus and the Southern Bent-wing Bat that depend on it,” Ms Darmanin said.
“The $9.6m in grant funding is a vital investment in the future of our local environment and its incredible biodiversity.”
“Protecting this significant waterway is critical to ensuring our kids and their kids can continue to enjoy this beautiful part of our local community for generations to come.”
The Platypus is a threatened species under Victoria’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act – it needs stable banks to build burrows, healthy plants for food, and clean, flowing water to survive.
The ‘PlatyPatch’ project aims to improve these habitats by planting more vegetation, controlling weeds, and adding natural habitats like logs and branches to the waterways.
So far, $14 million has been invested in the ‘PlatyPatch’ project, which is taking place in 14 locations across Victoria.
The project is a four-year initiative led by DEECA’s Arthur Rylah Institute, with help from partners like Zoos Victoria and local Landcare groups.
The government is also investing $609 million to protect Victoria’s natural environment and wildlife.
As Monbulk Creek gets this funding, it’s a big step towards ensuring the Platypus and other native species have a safe and healthy future.
