Generated by All in One SEO Pro v4.9.6.2, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Platy Patch An urban rivers platypus recovery initiative ## Pages ### [A Victoria-wide urban rivers Platypus recovery initiative](https://platypatch.au/) **Published:** April 16, 2024 **Author:** Andris **Content:** # An urban rivers Platypus recovery initiative [ ![Get involved](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/11112214/Get-involved%402x-1.webp "Get involved") ](https://platypatch.au/get-involved/)Photo: Doug Gimesy ## 14 sites across Victoria have been selected for instream and streamside rehabilitation. [ ![View our threatened species](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/10160722/Additional-species-graphic-300x264.webp "View our threatened species") ](https://platypatch.au/about#species_list) [ ![Additional species link hover image](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/10160721/Additional-species-graphic-hover-300x264.webp "Additional species graphic hover") ](https://platypatch.au/about#species_list) ![Map of Victorian CMA's](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24101022/Map-of-Victorian-CMAs-@2x-1536x1123.webp) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) CCMA – Yarrowee ![CCMA Yarrowee PlatyPatch Before](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/18181616/CCMA-Yarrowee-PlatyPatch-Before-300x200.jpg)**Corangamite CMA – Yarrowee Platy Patch**Weed control, revegetation.[CCMA >](https://ccma.vic.gov.au/projects/platy-patch/) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) CCMA – Moorabool River ![CCMA - Moorabool ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/04101055/CCMA-Moorabool-R-2-300x225.webp)**Corangamite CMA – Moorabool River Platy Patch**Weed control, revegetation.[CCMA >](https://ccma.vic.gov.au/projects/platy-patch) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) EGCMA – Mitchell River ![EGCMA - Mitchell River](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/18181627/EGCMA-Mitchell-River-300x225.jpg)**East Gippsland CMA – Mitchell River Platy Patch**Weed control, revegetation, stock exclusion fencing, installation of instream woody habitat.[EGCMA >](https://egcma.com.au/2025/08/26/improving-a-patch-for-platypus/) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) GBCMA – Goulburn river ![GBCMA - Goulburn river site 3](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/18181639/GBCMA-Goulburn-river-site-3-300x221.jpg)**Goulburn Broken CMA – Goulburn River, Shepparton Platy Patch**Weed control, revegetation, installation of instream woody habitat.[GBCMA >](https://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/news_events/a-helping-hand-for-platypus-in-our-patch.html) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) GBCMA – Broken river ![GBCMA Broken River](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/04101102/GBCMA-Broken-R-u-s-300x225.webp)**Goulburn Broken CMA – Broken River Platy Patch**Weed control, revegetation, installation of instream woody habitat.[GBCMA >](https://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/news_events/a-helping-hand-for-platypus-in-our-patch.html) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) GBCMA – Seven Creeks victoria ![GBCMA Seven Crk upstream](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/04101107/GBCMA-Seven-Crk-upstream-300x225.webp)**Goulburn Broken CMA – Seven Creeks Platy Patch**Weed control, revegetation, installation of instream woody habitat.[GBCMA >](https://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/news_events/a-helping-hand-for-platypus-in-our-patch.html) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) GHCMA – Merri River Warrnambool ![GHCMA Platypus habitat installation complete - Merri River, Warrnambool](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/04102007/GHCMA-Platypus-habitat-installation-complete-Merri-River-Warrnambool-300x225.webp)**Glenelg Hopkins CMA – Merri River, Warrnambool Platy Patch**Weed control, revegetation, stock exclusion fencing, instream woody habitat installation.[GHCMA >](https://www.ghcma.vic.gov.au/2025/06/1-2m-of-platy-patch-projects-begin-locally/) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) GHCMA – Hopkins River Warrnambool ![GHCMA - Hopkins River](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/04101110/GHCMA-Hopkins-R-300x225.webp)**Glenelg Hopkins CMA – Hopkins River, Warrnambool Platy Patch**Weed control, revegetation.[GHCMA >](https://www.ghcma.vic.gov.au/2025/06/1-2m-of-platy-patch-projects-begin-locally/) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) MW – Birdsland reserve pond ![MW - Birdsland reserve pond](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/18181729/MW-Birdsland-reserve-pond-1a-300x225.jpg)**Melbourne Water – Monbulk Creek Platy Patch**[Smart Tank program >](https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Our-services/Climate-and-environment/Sustainable-communities/Healthy-Waterways/Tanks-for-Platypus)[Melbourne Water >](https://www.melbournewater.com.au/services/projects/monbulk-creek-smart-water-network-upgrade-project) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) NCCMA – Campbells Creek ![NCCMA - Campbells Creek](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/18181741/NCCMA-Riparian-plantings-300x225.jpg)**North Central CMA – Campbells Creek, Castlemaine Platy Patch**Revegetation, installation of instream woody habitat.[NCCMA >](https://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/projects/biodiversity/projectsbiodiversitycampbells-creek-platy-patch/) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) WCMA – Wimmera River ![WCMA - Wimmera River](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/04101122/WCMA-Wimmera-River-225x300.webp)**Wimmera CMA – Wimmera River Platy Patch**Weed control, revegetation, stock exclusion fencing, installation of instream woody habitat.[Wimmera CMA >](https://wcma.vic.gov.au/platy-patch-in-the-wimmera/) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) WCMA – MacKenzie River ![WCMA - McKenzie River](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/04101117/WCMA-McKenzie-River-300x225.webp)**Wimmera CMA – MacKenzie River Platy Patch**Weed control, revegetation, stock exclusion fencing, installation of instream woody habitat.[Wimmera CMA >](https://wcma.vic.gov.au/platy-patch-in-the-wimmera/) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) NECMA – Kiewa River ![NECMA Kiewa River Platy Patch](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/18181755/NECMA-Kiewa-River-300x225.jpg)**North East CMA – Lower Kiewa River, Wodonga Platy Patch**Weed control, revegetation, stock exclusion fencing, installation of instream woody habitat.[NECMA >](https://www.necma.vic.gov.au/News-Events/Media-Releases/ArtMID/537/ArticleID/2131/Looking-after-Platys-in-our-Patch) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) NECMA – Ovens River ![NECMA Ovens River](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/04101115/NECMA-Ovens-R-300x225.webp)**NECMA – Ovens River, Wangaratta Platy Patch**Weed control, installation of instream woody habitat.[NECMA >](https://www.necma.vic.gov.au/News-Events/Media-Releases/ArtMID/537/ArticleID/2131/Looking-after-Platys-in-our-Patch) ![hotspot-marker](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24090340/Map-marker%402x.webp) WGCMA – Traralgon Creek ![WGCMA - Traralgon Creek](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/18181803/WGCMA-Traralgon-Creek-1-300x225.jpeg)**West Gippsland CMA – Traralgon Creek Platy Patch**Weed control, revegetation, stock exclusion fencing.[WGCMA >](https://wgcma.vic.gov.au/) ![Separator device](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/12114308/Separator-device%402x.webp "Separator device@2x") ## Progress Follow the journey of streamside and instream rehabilitation works. Progress will be summarised every 6 months over 4 years. The progress up until December 2025: ![icon native vegetation](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/19110507/icon-native-vegetation.webp "icon native vegetation") 23.6 hectares streamside native reveg in 5 sites ![icon erosion control](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/19110503/icon-erosion-control.webp "icon erosion control") 0 kms of streamside erosion control – *in development* ![icon weed control](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/02113247/icon-weed-control.webp "icon weed control") 312 hectares of streamside weed control in 5 sites ![icon fencing](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/19110504/icon-fencing.webp "icon fencing") 0.7 kilometres streamside animal fencing in 2 sites ![icon woody habitat](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/19110512/icon-woody-habitat.webp "icon woody habitat") 137 woody habitats restored instream in 7 sites ![icon community](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24100001/icon-community.webp "icon community") 34 community engagement events in 10 sites ![icon tanks installed](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24100009/icon-tanks-installed.webp "icon tanks installed") 18 smart rainwater tanks installed ![icon litres captured](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24100003/icon-litres-captured.webp "icon litres captured") 47 Kilolitres maximum storage volume in smart rainwater tanks ![icon litres released](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24100006/icon-litres-released.webp "icon litres released") 23 Megalitres maximum storage volume in lakes ![Separator device](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/12114308/Separator-device%402x.webp "Separator device@2x") ## Smart Water Network A new innovative Smart Rainwater Tank program [LEARN MORE](https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Our-services/Climate-and-environment/Sustainable-communities/Healthy-Waterways/Tanks-for-Platypus) [ ![Tanks for platypus](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/02114039/Tanks-for-platypus-2%402x-1024x1024.webp "Tanks for platypus") ](https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Our-services/Climate-and-environment/Sustainable-communities/Healthy-Waterways/Tanks-for-Platypus) ![Flora decoration](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/24163318/Flora-decoration.webp "Flora decoration") ![Separator device](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/12114308/Separator-device%402x.webp "Separator device@2x") ## Partners ![Australian Government logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20152036/Australian-Government-logo%402x-300x152.webp) ![DEECA logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20152038/DEECA-logo%402x-300x81.webp) ![Melbourne Water logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20152042/Melbourne-Water-logo%402x-300x72.webp) ![ARI logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/06115251/ARI-logo-rgb.webp) ![Coliban Water logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20153715/Coliban-Water-logo%402x-300x91.webp) ![Corangamite CMA logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20153718/Corangamite-CMA-logo%402x-300x138.webp) ![East Gippsland CMA logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20153721/East-Gippsland-CMA-logo%402x-300x121.webp) ![GBCMA logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20153725/GBCMA-logo%402x-300x200.webp) ![Glenelg Hopkins CMA logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20153728/Glenelg-Hopkins-CMA-logo%402x-300x138.webp) ![North Central CMA logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20153732/North-Central-CMA-logo%402x-300x121.webp) ![North East CMA logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20153735/North-East-CMA-logo%402x-300x152.webp) ![One Tree Planted logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20153739/One-Tree-Planted-logo%402x-300x72.webp) ![Parks Victoria logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20153742/Parks-Victoria-logo%402x-300x200.webp) ![West Gippsland CMA logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20153746/West-Gippsland-CMA-logo%402x-300x179.webp) ![Wimmera CMA logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20153750/Wimmera-CMA-logo%402x-300x207.webp) ![Zoos Victoria logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20153753/Zoos-Victoria-logo%402x-300x169.webp) ![City of Ballarat](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/04103325/City-of-Ballarat%402x-300x111.webp) ![Australian Platypus Conservancy logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/04103726/Aust-Platypus-Conservancy-logo-300x114.webp) ![Australian Government logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/20152036/Australian-Government-logo%402x-300x152.webp)Collaborators ![University of Melbourne](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/06115253/University-of-Melbourne-300x300.webp) ![Abstract hills in blue and green with the white text 'Yarra Ranges Council' over a teal background.](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/06115255/Yarra-Ranges-Council-logo-169x300.webp) ![South East Water logo](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/06120957/South-East-Water-logo-sq-300x300.webp) --- ### [Get involved - The iconic Platypus is in trouble and needs your help](https://platypatch.au/get-involved/) **Published:** November 12, 2025 **Author:** Andris **Content:** # Get involved The iconic Platypus is in trouble and needs your help. Contact a partner organisation Contact for general enquiries regarding Platy Patch. If you live near a Platy Patch site, **contact the relevant partner organisation below** to find out what’s happening and get involved. - [ARI DEECA](https://www.ari.vic.gov.au/research/threatened-plants-and-animals/animals/helping-platypus-recover) – Helping Platypus recover - [Melbourne Water](https://www.melbournewater.com.au/services/projects/monbulk-creek-smart-water-network-upgrade-project) - [Corangamite Catchment Management Authority](https://ccma.vic.gov.au/) - [East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority](https://egcma.com.au/2025/08/26/improving-a-patch-for-platypus/) - [Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority](https://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/news_events/a-helping-hand-for-platypus-in-our-patch.html) - [Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority](https://www.ghcma.vic.gov.au/2025/06/1-2m-of-platy-patch-projects-begin-locally/) - [North Central Catchment Management Authority](https://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/projects/biodiversity/projectsbiodiversitycampbells-creek-platy-patch/) - [North East Catchment Management Authority](https://www.necma.vic.gov.au/News-Events/Media-Releases/ArtMID/537/ArticleID/2131/Looking-after-Platys-in-our-Patch) - [Wimmera Catchment Management Authority](https://wcma.vic.gov.au/platy-patch-in-the-wimmera/) - [West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority](https://wgcma.vic.gov.au/) Tanks for Platypus on your property If you own a property near **Monbulk Creek in Upwey, Tecoma, Belgrave, Belgrave Heights, Belgrave South, Selby, Sherbrooke and Kallista** and would like to learn more about Tanks for Platypus or discuss if your property is suitable, contact [Yarra Council](https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Our-services/Climate-and-environment/Sustainable-communities/Healthy-Waterways/Tanks-for-Platypus#section-5). Donate to [One Tree Planted](https://onetreeplanted.org/products/australia?srsltid=AfmBOooMX2bjvjWdpFyE9MH8DUo2DRqNVeO7JP18ov3KWR7f1-d1MMd9)**,** a non-profit organisation focused on global reforestation. This organisation is contributing funds for revegetation efforts in Platy Patch. Volunteer **To help clean up and rehabilitate your local waterway**, get in contact with your local CMA, community group or Local Government. Seek advice If you are a landholder living along, or near a waterway, **seek advice on how to rehabilitate and protect this environment.** Actions could include weed control, fencing and revegetation with native plants. Report sightings of Platypus so we can continue to build a better picture of their distribution. In Victoria, you can contribute through the [Victorian Biodiversity Atlas](https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/victorian-biodiversity-atlas). Seize it, Snip it, Bin it Support the **‘**[**Seize it, Snip it, Bin it’**](https://www.vic.waterwatch.org.au/2025/08/platypus-month-resources-2025)campaign to **reduce the occurrence of loopy litter** in our waterways. This campaign encourages people to **collect and correctly dispose of litter they encounter**. It is promoted in September during Platypus Month, although its message is relevant all year round. The campaign is a collaboration between Melbourne Water, WaterWatch, River Detectives, Zoos Victoria, Werribee River Association, Australian Platypus Conservancy, Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance, North Central Catchment Management Authority and Corangamite Catchment Management Authority. --- ### [About Platy Patch - Why, what and who's involved](https://platypatch.au/about/) **Published:** November 12, 2025 **Author:** Andris **Content:** # About Platy Patch is a major Victoria-wide urban waterway works program to **rehabilitate streamside and aquatic habitats** to help Platypus and other threatened species. Platy Patch will also improve urban green and blue space and community access to nature. What is Platy Patch? **The iconic Platypus is in trouble and needs our help**. Although occurring across most of Victoria, populations have declined substantially in most drainage basins of mainland Australia, particularly urban and agricultural areas. Rehabilitation actions will primarily include **weed removal, revegetation with native plants, fencing out grazing animals, and reinstatement of instream woody habitat.** Melbourne Water efforts are focussed on rainwater capture, stormwater management and providing environmental water. The habitat **rehabilitation efforts will also benefit 16 nationally threatened species**, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, bats and plants, as well as vegetation communities. Platy Patch started in 2025 and will run until 2028. Why are Platypus in trouble? **Platypus are recognised as vulnerable in Victoria** under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Historically, the main decline in Platypus numbers was caused by the fur trade. This was banned in all states of Australia by 1912. **Common threats** to Platypuses today involve land clearance and habitat degradation including bank erosion, sedimentation and pollution, as well as predation, population fragmentation, fishing by-catch and climate change. **A key threat is a reduction in surface water and river flows** due to drought, changed flow regimes and water extraction for human use, industry and agriculture. What do Platypus need? Although Platypus are found in many different habitats, including rivers, creeks, lakes and man-made dams and reservoirs, they need reliable water. Key habitat features include **stable banks for burrowing, healthy streamside vegetation, instream woody habitat, invertebrates to eat and reliable water flows.** Platy Patch sites There are 14 sites where instream and streamside rehabilitation actions are being undertaken: 1. [Campbells Creek](https://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/projects/biodiversity/projectsbiodiversitycampbells-creek-platy-patch/) 2. [Hopkins River](https://www.ghcma.vic.gov.au/2025/06/1-2m-of-platy-patch-projects-begin-locally/) 3. [Goulburn River](https://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/news_events/current-issues-and-events/platy-patch-project.html) 4. [Broken River](https://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/news_events/current-issues-and-events/platy-patch-project.html) 5. [Seven Creeks](https://www.gbcma.vic.gov.au/news_events/current-issues-and-events/platy-patch-project.html) 6. [Lower Kiewa River](https://www.necma.vic.gov.au/News-Events/Media-Releases/ArtMID/537/ArticleID/2131/Looking-after-Platys-in-our-Patch) 7. [Merri River](https://www.ghcma.vic.gov.au/2025/06/1-2m-of-platy-patch-projects-begin-locally/) 8. [Mitchell River](https://egcma.com.au/2025/08/26/improving-a-patch-for-platypus/) 9. [Moorabool River](https://ccma.vic.gov.au/?s=platy) 10. [Ovens River](https://www.necma.vic.gov.au/News-Events/Media-Releases/ArtMID/537/ArticleID/2131/Looking-after-Platys-in-our-Patch) 11. [Traralgon Creek](https://www.necma.vic.gov.au/News-Events/Media-Releases/ArtMID/537/ArticleID/2131/Looking-after-Platys-in-our-Patch) 12. [Wimmera River](https://www.nccma.vic.gov.au/projects/biodiversity/projectsbiodiversitycampbells-creek-platy-patch/) 13. [McKenzie River](https://egcma.com.au/2025/08/26/improving-a-patch-for-platypus/) 14. [Yarrowee River](https://ccma.vic.gov.au/?s=platy) In Melbourne, [The Monbulk Creek Smart Network Program](https://www.melbournewater.com.au/services/projects/monbulk-creek-smart-water-network-upgrade-project) is another large component of Platy Patch. Who’s involved Platy Patch is a powerful collaboration between: - **DCCEEW** (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) - **DEECA** (including the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research ARI) - **Melbourne Water** - **8 catchment management authorities** - **Local government** including City of Ballarat - **Water authorities** including Coliban Water and Barwon Water - **The Australian Platypus Conservancy** - **Traditional Owners** - **One Tree Planted** - **Parks Victoria** - **Zoos Victoria** and - **Landcare** The Victorian Government’s environmental research institute, **ARI (Arthur Rylah Institute)** is leading the implementation of Platy Patch. CMAs and Melbourne Water will lead on-ground works and communication and engagement efforts in their local communities. **One Tree Planted** is contributing funds for revegetation. **The Australian Platypus Conservancy** is providing expert advice on many aspects of Platy Patch. **Zoos Victoria** is promoting Platy Patch, including through their detection dogs program. Measuring success ![ARI - Platy Patch vegetation monitoring](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/04110642/ARI-veg-monitoring1-1024x768.jpg) ARI is leading a monitoring and research component of Platy Patch. **The monitoring program will estimate the effects of carrying out rehabilitation efforts on Platypus habitat at the 14 intervention sites (CMA sites).** Baseline environmental conditions will be assessed at each site before any works are carried out, and then again at the end of the project. The research component will seek to answer questions that are hard to assess within the short timeframe of the Platy Patch project, since **many of the interventions are not expected to generate a response in Platypus until many years later.** For example, it takes time for trees to grow large enough to increase shading, stabilise banks, and increase instream organic matter to support macro-invertebrates (which are a main food source of platypus). Therefore, research will be conducted to indirectly assess long-term outcomes of interventions. A combination of field and desktop work will be combined to generate predictive models that can forecast the expected benefit to Platypus, depending on combinations of on-ground and environmental factors. While Platypus is the main focus of the monitoring and research, **other priority EPBC species will also be assessed**. This work will use a variety of methods which may include **eDNA sampling, ecoacoustic surveys, electrofishing, and camera traps.** Some of this work will link in with other Victorian monitoring programs and local CMA-led programs. The Smart Tank Network project in Monbulk Creek will be evaluated by Melbourne Water – more details on the progress on this can be found at [Smart Rainwater Tank program](https://www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Our-services/Climate-and-environment/Sustainable-communities/Healthy-Waterways/Tanks-for-Platypus). Funded by - Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program - Victorian Government and Melbourne Water, under the guidance of the Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI) with the support of: - Catchment management authorities - One Tree Planted - City of Ballarat - Coliban Water and Barwon Water - Zoos Victoria The project is also partnering with Australian Platypus Conservancy, Traditional Owners, Parks Victoria and Landcare. ![View our threatened species](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/10160722/Additional-species-graphic.webp "View our threatened species")Platy Patch will also help 16 other threatened species, improve urban green and blue space, and provide community access to nature. [ ![Australasian Bittern](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113655/Australasian-Bittern-photo-by-Matt-Herring.webp) Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilusphoto: Matt Herring ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113655/Australasian-Bittern-photo-by-Matt-Herring-1024x682.webp "Australasian Bittern") [ ![Southern Bent Wing Bat](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113710/Southern-Bent-Wing-Bats-Miniopterus-orianae-bassanii-photo-by-Terry-Reardon.webp) Southern Bent Wing Bats Miniopterus orianae bassaniiphoto: Terry Reardon ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113710/Southern-Bent-Wing-Bats-Miniopterus-orianae-bassanii-photo-by-Terry-Reardon-1024x753.webp "Southern Bent Wing Bat") [ ![Swamp Skink](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113715/Swamp-Skink-Lissolepis-coventry-Mornington-Peninsula-photo-by-Nick-Clemann.webp) Swamp Skink Lissolepis coventryiphoto: Nick Clemann ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113715/Swamp-Skink-Lissolepis-coventry-Mornington-Peninsula-photo-by-Nick-Clemann-1024x689.webp "Swamp Skink") [ ![Sloanes Froglet. Photo: Chris Tzaros](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/11094638/Sloanes-Froglet-Chris-Tzaros.webp) Sloanes Froglet Crinia sloaneiphoto: Chris Tzaros, Birds, Bush & Beyond ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/11094638/Sloanes-Froglet-Chris-Tzaros.webp "Sloanes Froglet. Photo: Chris Tzaros") [ ![Growling Grass Frog](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113657/Growling-Grass-Frog.webp) Growling Grass Frog Litoria raniformisphoto: Arthur Rylah Institute ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113657/Growling-Grass-Frog.webp "Growling Grass Frog") [ ![Macquarie Perch](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113659/Macquarie-Perch.webp) Macquarie Perch Macquaria australasicaphoto: Arthur Rylah Institute ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113659/Macquarie-Perch-1024x768.webp "Macquarie Perch") [ ![Murray Cod](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113704/Murray-Cod.webp) Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii peeliiphoto: Arthur Rylah Institute ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113704/Murray-Cod-1024x682.webp "Murray Cod") [ ![Silver Perch](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113708/Silver-Perch.webp) Silver Perch Bidyanus bidyanusphoto: Arthur Rylah Institute ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113708/Silver-Perch-1024x524.webp "Silver Perch") [ ![Trout Cod](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113717/Trout-Cod.webp) Trout Cod Maccullochella macquariensisphoto: Arthur Rylah Institute ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113717/Trout-Cod-1024x768.webp "Trout Cod") [ ![Southern Pygmy Perch](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/11094640/Southern-Pygmy-Perch.webp) Southern Pygmy Perch (Murray-Darling Basin lineage) Nannoperca australisphoto: Arthur Rylah Institute ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/11094640/Southern-Pygmy-Perch-1024x767.webp "Southern Pygmy Perch") [ ![Yarra Pygmy Perch](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113719/Yarra-Pygmy-Perch-Nannoperca-obscura-photo-by-Tarmo-A.-Raadik.webp) Yarra Pygmy Perch Nannoperca obscuraphoto: Tarmo A. Raadik ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113719/Yarra-Pygmy-Perch-Nannoperca-obscura-photo-by-Tarmo-A.-Raadik-1024x680.webp "Yarra Pygmy Perch") [ ![Australian Grayling](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/11094634/Australian-Grayling-TRaadik.webp) Australian Grayling Prototroctes maraenaphoto: Tarmo A. Raadik ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/11094634/Australian-Grayling-TRaadik-1024x680.webp "Australian Grayling") [ ![Clover Glycine. Photo: Atlas of Living Australia](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/11094636/Clover-Glycine-Atlas-of-Living-Australia.webp) Clover Glycine Glycine latrobeanaphoto: Atlas of Living Australia ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/11094636/Clover-Glycine-Atlas-of-Living-Australia-768x1024.webp "Clover Glycine") [ ![Matted Flaxlily](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113701/Matted-Flaxlily-photo-by-Steve-Sinclair.webp) Matted Flaxlily Dianella amoenaphoto: Steve Sinclair ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113701/Matted-Flaxlily-photo-by-Steve-Sinclair-1024x768.webp "Matted Flaxlily") [ ![Stiff Groundsel](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113712/Stiff-Groundsel-photo-by-Atlas-of-Living-Australia.webp) Stiff Groundsel Senecio behrianusphoto: Atlas of Living Australia ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113712/Stiff-Groundsel-photo-by-Atlas-of-Living-Australia-768x1024.webp "Stiff Groundsel") [ ![River Swamp-Wallaby Grass](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113706/River-Swamp-Wallaby-Grass-photo-by-Atlas-of-Living-Australia.webp) River Swamp-Wallaby Grass Amphibromus fluitansphoto: Atlas of Living Australia ](https://assets.platypatch.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/07113706/River-Swamp-Wallaby-Grass-photo-by-Atlas-of-Living-Australia-1024x768.webp "River Swamp-Wallaby Grass") Title photo: Zoos Victoria ---