Platypus habitat regen in the Deua River Valley

After the January bushfires decimated vegetation along the Deua River, habitat for platypus in the region was tipped to breaking point.

But thanks to funding from Landcare Australia’s Bushfire Recovery Grants, Deua Rivercare have sprung into action to protect and restore a heavily impacted 420 hectare project site which endured bush losses of more than 80 per cent.

Without vegetation, the banks will succumb to sediment erosion. But the group are working with local contractors to erect sediment and erosion control utilising material on site, wrapping sectioned logs in jute mesh at already identified priority locations to protect Platypus habitat.

At the same time there will be a focus on treating emerging weed species that have regenerated prolifically as a result of the fires including (but not limited to) species such as Cassia, Blackberry and Turkey Rhubarb.

The project will also include the coordination of a valley wide training workshop in feral animal control (focus on pigs, deer and foxes) to further protect recovering wildlife. All paid works will be supported and enhanced by on-ground in-kind contributions from Deua Rivercare volunteers.