00:00This is becoming an increasingly rare sight. Platypus used to call much of South East Queensland's
00:08waterways home. But urban expansion, land clearing and the 2022 floods have eroded much
00:15of their habitat around the Brisbane River catchment.
00:18We've got sediment that is shallowing out refuge pools. It's just this ongoing impact
00:23and flow on effect.
00:25Now a desperate but methodical push is underway to plant new vegetation and shore up the environment.
00:32Projects like this that can try and stop the erosion and keep all of the mud on the banks
00:37is what we're trying to achieve.
00:39Council workers hope it'll encourage the mammal back to the area.
00:43We are still detecting those small local populations in here, but it has become less frequent over
00:48the last few years.
00:50The Ipswich City Council and the Federal Government are jointly funding the $4 million project
00:55to restore the Brisbane and Bremer River catchment banks. With so much heavy rain already
01:01this season, they're hopeful it'll make a difference and reduce sediment.
01:06It's really important when we have all the developments that are happening here in Ipswich
01:09as well to make sure that we do protect our platypus environment.
01:13Because we're seeing more frequency and severity of these extreme weather events, that's the
01:18real concern that these animals aren't being able to adapt fast enough.
01:22Researchers say there could be consequences for the platypus if more isn't done.
01:27I have no doubt platypus are on the trajectory of declining and becoming a threatened species.
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