Platypus Watch

Platypus Watch Phase 2 Putting Perridak Back on Track Citizen Science Project (Session 2) Be part of this exciting water quality monitoring project, one component of our larger mission of increasing platypus populations in the lower Werribee River. Platypus Watch is being run in partnership with Victoria University, whose researchers and specialist Environmental Engineers will guide citizen scientists over a 12-month period to test water quality. The sessions will happen bi-monthly, at two sites along the Werribee River. These sites include Cobbledick’s Ford, a peri-urban location, and Riverbend Historical Park, within a more urban stretch of the river. These are both sites that, since the drowning of seven platypus in an opera house yabby net in 2018, have not recorded platypus populations in eDNA testing. We know platypus inhabit the lower stretch of the river, from the diversion weir to Werribee Zoo. Part of our long-term work is to determine how platypus may be able to repopulate the stretch of the river above the weir. One option is to reintroduce; however, we firstly need to ensure water quality and vegetation are at a high standard. As part of our bi-monthly session, we will be visiting both sites to conduct on-site testing of several parameters known to be affected by urban development, such as nutrient levels, heavy metals, salinity, organic contaminants, micro-plastics, and macro-invertebrates (aka platypus food!). These parameters are also vital to understanding whether the environment is suitable for platypus habitat. While at Cobbbledick’s Ford, we will also have a short walk to discover some of the conservation work that has been done in the reserve. Please meet at Cobbledick’s Ford at 12.20 pm, in the car park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u2P6PeRNtnNbzrFKA (note you will need to enter the reserve from Dohertys Road then Dukelows Road) We will then travel to the second testing site at Riverbend Historical Park, Werribee: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u2P6PeRNtnNbzrFKA We will conclude at 2.30pm. Please note there are no bathroom facilities at either site. Wear suitable outdoor clothing, walking shoes, be sunsmart – and don’t forget your water bottle! This is a partnership project with Victoria University and is generously supported by Greater Western Water. The National Measurement Institute will also collaborate on the project.