Platypus awareness

Platypus swimming through waterThe platypus is an iconic Australian species - living right here, in the waterways of Wyong Shire in the main water supply catchment areas of Ourimbah, Yarramalong and Dooralong.

Platypus Conservation on the Central Coast

While locally there are good numbers of platypus, they are under threat from human activities. Raising awareness about these threats is the focus of the Platypus Awareness and Conservation Team (PACT). Wyong Shire Council is a member, along with Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre, Hunter-Central Rivers CMA, Puggles the PlatypusNational Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Fisheries, Newcastle University and many local schools and residents.

One of the most preventable threats platypus face is the illegal use of traps and nets. Platypus may spend a lot of time in the water, but they can only hold their breath for about two minutes - so they can easily drown if caught in a trap. In 2003, yabby traps were banned in public waters (including rivers, creeks and lakes) where platypus are found, in response to the number of animals being killed in these traps.

Platypus are found in river systems in NSW east of the Newell Highway which runs from Tocumwal in the south to Goondiwindi in the north.  They are also found in sections of the Murray River and the Murrumbidgee River. All traps are also banned in any trout waters in NSW except for the use of lift nets in Lake Eucumbene and Lake Jindabyne. Other animals that could become caught in yabby traps include turtles and water birds.

Because it is still legal to use yabby traps in private farm dams and in public waters in parts of western NSW where platypus do not occur, they are still legally available for sale.
By working with the community, PACT intends increasing local understanding and awareness of platypus and preventing their accidental death by drowning in yabby traps.

Supporting P.A.C.T

For more details about the work of PACT and information on Platypus facts, illegal traps, school education programs and upcoming activities click go to the PACT website.