Trevor Morrison is the Community Engagement and Education Officer from ECOllaboration, an environmental not-for-profit organisation that has been on the Sunshine Coast for 30 years. “While Maleny has always held a strong reputation for platypus, Nambour is more of a local secret and is blessed with a healthy population of platypuses,” Trevor shares. “Recently we identified six unique platypuses in a 60-minute survey using only three locations along Petrie Creek, so we can assume that there would be plenty more that went under our radar. “I think Nambour is very underrated for its environmental diversity in general, but the platypus is perhaps our most iconic species, therefore raising awareness about its prevalence in the Nambour (and Sunshine Coast) region is a really important part of what ECOllaboration does.”
Platypus in the Petrie - image Jean Dunning
Flights! Camera! Action! Northern Territory
I have been luck y enough in the last 12 years to visit the NT four times! U luru is a magical place and must- experience destination for all A ustralians - one f illed with incredible sights, ever- changing colours, and energy unlike anywhere else in the world, with natural landmarks and a rich Indigenous history that combine to take your breath away. A highlight for me was the Sounds of Silence Dinner, where you are taken to the true outback for an Indigenous performance as the sun sets.The night sky opens,and you are invited to learn about our solar system, all of which is visible and vast above. Kings C anyon (situated bet ween A lice Springs and U luru) is also an incredible location . The rim walk is inspiring and can be done by most levels of f itness . Heading north, Darwin is surrounded by amazing national parks . For me, Litchf ield National Park with its incredible gorges, enormous trees and wildlife was unforgettable. A visit to the Humpty Doo Pub is a must as you make your way north, run by locals and filled with character! The Northern Territory is unique in so many ways, and I would love to help you experience the majesty of it all.
“Sometimes you do need patience” - Jean Dunning. Platypus spotting is a magical part of Petrie Creek in Nambour - the chance of sighting the unique, semi- aquatic, egg-laying, Australian mammal, the platypus!
I
n Nambour you have the chance of sighting the unique, semi- aquatic, egg-laying, Australian mammal, the platypus! The presence of these unusual creatures, in a river that runs through a busy town, is an exciting one.
by REBECCA MUGRIDGE
Nambour local, Jean Dunning, is a photographer who has been able to capture the Nambour platypus in stunning photographs. The trick, she says, is to have a little patience. “The platypus are not always out and about. From Carter Road/Arundel Roundabout area I have seen up to four platypus during mating season. “I take photos of wildlife every day. My husband retired about three years ago and we go out and about taking in our beautiful surroundings, platypus-spotting a few times a week,” says Jean, who also explains that a current threat to platypus is yabby traps.
And awareness is crucial when human impact can harm the platypus. “In my opinion, the two largest issues are pollution and habitat destruction, the latter usually stemming from urban development and damage to the riparian zone along creek banks.” They hope to change this by involving the community more. “On behalf of the Sunshine Coast Environment Council (SCEC) we are hosting a World Environment Day, Platypus Conservation Walk on Saturday June 10 which finishes with some creekside planting through the assistance of Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) and Petrie Creek Catchment Care Group (PCCCG). “I believe that people are far more inclined to protect something that they have an emotional connection to, which is easy to generate once you see a platypus in Petrie Creek!” Trevor encourages public involvement. “We recently had a witness report an accidental pollutant reaching Petrie Creek near a major platypus hotspot and SCC were extremely prompt in addressing it.” The public also helps with the platypus counts. “Our platypus surveys are vital for two reasons: community engagement and data.,” explains Trevor.
“Neil Andison (the Platypus Whisperer from Maleny) is trying to raise awareness. Unfortunately, once a platypus gets inside, it is trapped and dies quickly. They are mammals and must reach the surface of the creek within four minutes. Being trapped under water in the yabby traps kills them.” Keeping the platypus alive and breeding in Nambour is a combined effort. From public volunteers to community and environmental groups and the Sunshine Coast Council.
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It is a real group effort to keep the area platypus-friendly, with Cheryl Geoghegan, SCC leader Leah Tearle, and Norm Morwood - image Jamie Slaven
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