25 October 2023
Wildlife Queensland’s PlatypusWatch program, dedicated to the monitoring and preservation of platypus populations in Queensland, marked its remarkable two-decade journey with a ‘Platy Party’ held at the Pooh Corner Environmental Centre, Wacol on Sunday 22 October 2023.
More than 50 supporters joined the event to commemorate the 20-year milestone and participate in a day of learning and activities.
Ecologist and PlatypusWatch project officer Dr Tamielle Brunt shared fascinating insights into Australia’s iconic platypus and the significant achievements of the PlatypusWatch program over the past 20 years. Councillor Sarah Hutton from the Brisbane City Council Jamboree Ward congratulated Wildlife Queensland on the program’s success and highlighted how Brisbane City Council is supporting conservation efforts, such as the PlatypusWatch Wolston Centenary project that rolled out this year and the ongoing eDNA surveys across the Greater Brisbane region.
One of the highlights of the day was the “Walk and Talk” guided by Brunt, leading participants from Pooh Corner Reserve to a section of Sandy Creek. The experience provided an opportunity to learn about local platypus populations and their natural habitat, with the bonus of spotting kangaroos along the way!
During the event, Troy Wainwright from Maleny Chocolate Co. announced the winning name for the “Name the Platypus Chocolate” contest. ‘Obi’ emerged as the clear favourite, securing 130 out of 182 votes.
The festivities culminated with the presentation of certificates of appreciation and a delectable platypus-shaped cake, symbolising the unity and dedication of the PlatypusWatch community.
Woolworths Darra Manager, Melina gifted PlatypusWatch a $100 voucher. (image: Tamielle Brunt)
Tamielle presenting Cr Hutton with a certificate of appreciation. (Image: Lenore Bracey, WaCC)
Lenore Bracey (WaCC), Tamielle Brunt, and Cr Sarah Hutton. (image: Wenda Shurety)
Tamielle Brunt and Neil Andison. (image: Wenda Shurety)
Tamielle Brunt and Paul Sutton. (image: Wenda Shurety)
Kangaroo sighting in Pooh Corner Bushland Reserve. (image: Wenda Shurety)
Walk & Talk at Pooh Corner Bushland Reserve. (image: Wenda Shurety)
Sandy Creek. (image: Wenda Shurety)
Brief History of Wildlife Queensland’s PlatypusWatch program
The PlatypusWatch program, initially launched as Platypus Care in Queensland on 23 October 2003 in collaboration with the Australian Platypus Conservancy, sought to harness community knowledge to establish baseline data for monitoring changes in platypus distribution and numbers over the years. In 2007, the program evolved into PlatypusWatch, continuing its mission of community advocacy and research.
The data collected during the program’s early years played a pivotal role in the development of the current 8-year environmental DNA (eDNA) program. This data guided the selection of sampling sites to determine the presence or absence of platypuses in waterways, which, in turn, contributed to a state conservation upgrade submission.
During her presentation, Brunt emphasised the need for more surveys across the state to fill data gaps, as Queensland is behind compared to its southern counterparts.
“We don’t know how other populations beyond South East Queensland are faring. We have hot spots, but locals in northern areas are telling us they are ‘seeing less’ platypuses. The last statewide census in 2001 relied solely on observations, but now we have the powerful eDNA method,” said Brunt
“Here’s to the next 20 years of platypus conservation and the dream of a state-wide eDNA survey to keep the platypus off the threatened list!”
A heartfelt thank you from PlatypusWatch
We extend our special thanks to Wolston and Centenary Catchments and President Lenore Bracey for their support of our PlatypusWatch community. We also appreciate the backing of Councillor Sarah Hutton for her support of the PlatypusWatch Wolston Centenary 2023 project.
A generous $100 voucher for the Platy Party was donated by Woolworths Darra, and Belinda Homewood prepared the delicious platypus cake.
Our deepest gratitude goes out to everyone who attended, celebrating 20 years of PlatypusWatch, and for their unwavering commitment to platypus conservation, said Brunt.
“The success of PlatypusWatch lies in the unwavering support of local communities and the commitment to protect one of Australia’s most unique animals. By coming together and taking proactive steps, we can ensure that the platypus continues to grace our waterways for generations.”
The Wildlife Queensland team cutting the platypus cake. (Steve Shurety)
Gathering for the Walk & Talk. (image: Wenda Shurety)
Walk & Talk at Pooh Corner Bushland Reserve. (image: Amanda Little)
Enjoying the Walk & Talk with Tamielle Brunt. (image: Wenda Shurety)
Tamielle talking about platypuses. (image: Wenda Shurety)
Creek habitat, Sandy Creek. (image: Wenda Shurety)
Platypus celebration cake. (image: Lenore Bracey)
Maleny Chocolate Co. chocolate platypuses. (image: Amanda Little)
How you can support PlatypusWatch
- Report sightings: If you spot a platypus in the wild, please report your sighting/s online via our PlatypusWatch sighting form.
- Symbolic adoption: Consider symbolically adopting a platypus for one year.
- Purchase “Obi the Platypus” chocolate from the Maleny Chocolate Company online store.
- Support our campaign to ban the use of opera house nets in QLD.
- Volunteer to help: Join our network of volunteers and citizen scientists who help protect and conserve the iconic platypus.
Related articles
- PlatypusWatch: 20 Years Protecting Queensland’s Iconic Platypus Population
- Name the Platypus Chocolate Contest
- Platypus Month kicks off with research updates and a new team of conservation researchers
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