The waterways of Greater Springfield, including Woogaroo Creek, are under threat from urban development and severe weather events, prompting urgent restoration efforts to protect platypus habitats.
Restoring Waterways to Protect an Icon
Local councils and environmental groups have launched a multi-million-dollar project to restore creeks across South East Queensland, with a key focus on the Greater Springfield area, including Ipswich and Ripley. The initiative aims to improve the health of waterways like Woogaroo Creek in Augustine Heights, which have been significantly affected by urbanisation and recurring floods.
Heavy rains in 2022 brought more than 400 millimetres in three days, causing widespread erosion and destruction in areas such as Ipswich, Ripley Valley, and surrounding suburbs. Environmental experts say the damage is impacting vital habitats for platypus, which rely on stable creek banks for shelter.
Ipswich is leading the charge to rehabilitate these waterways. A $4-million program will plant over 30,000 native trees along creek banks, aiming to reduce erosion and support the broader aquatic ecosystem.
Monitoring and Research Challenges
To better understand the platypus population, Ipswich officials have partnered with the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland on an environmental DNA analysis program. Testing at more than 300 sites across 115 waterways in 2023 revealed minimal signs of platypus presence since the floods.
Wildlife expert Tamielle Brunt from the society highlighted Queensland’s lack of long-term studies compared to other states. This gap in data has prevented the platypus from being listed as a nationally threatened species, despite evidence of population decline over the last decade.
Ms Brunt believes stronger monitoring systems and conservation funding are essential to ensure the survival of this iconic Australian species. She said the lack of formal recognition means platypus conservation is often overlooked in environmental assessments.
A Community-Focused Approach
Jack McCann, a waterway health officer in Ipswich, said the restoration project represents a broader push to address environmental pressures caused by rapid urbanisation. Suburbs such as Ripley Valley and Augustine Heights are experiencing significant growth, which increases runoff into creeks during heavy rains.
Mr McCann explained that stabilising creek banks and improving water quality will benefit not only platypus but also the wider ecosystem. He emphasised the importance of involving the community in conservation efforts, with local workers planting vegetation and conducting educational outreach.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Council is committed to taking a proactive approach to protecting native species. She stressed the importance of combining restoration projects with comprehensive data collection to track the impact of environmental efforts.
The $200-million Urban Rivers and Catchment Program is crucial for addressing waterway health across Australia. A portion of this ($3 million) is being allocated to the Ipswich region.
Published 3-Jan-2025
