Committed to the Barwon River Corangamite CMA manages 20 ...

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For further information contact Corangamite CMA 64 Dennis Street, Colac 3250PH: 03 5232 [email protected] www.ccma.vic.gov.au

Committed to the Barwon River

Corangamite CMA manages 20 kilometres of the Barwon River, from Queens Park Bridge to the lower

breakwater. We are also responsible for controlling land use within this management area.Thousands of people use the Barwon River every day for walking, jogging, cycling, picnics, skiing, rowing, boating, fishing and swimming.

Corangamite CMA is committed not just to improving the health of the Barwon, but to improving facilities on river reserves such as paths, seating and signage.

You can help preserve the Barwon River for future generations by picking up after your dog, putting litter in bins, conserving water, disposing of chemicals appropriately and keeping lawn clippings and other pollutants out of drains.

Barwon River through Geelong

The furry facts> Platypus live in riverbank burrows that they construct among the

roots of native trees and shrubs. Willow trees are a natural enemy of

platypus, because their dense root systems make digging difficult.

> Within its home range, a platypus may have up to a dozen burrows

with entries just below, or on, the waterline.

> They favour slow-flowing streams, but can also be found in lakes

and manmade water bodies.

> Platypus hunt at night and use their electro-sensitive bills to locate food.

> They eat shrimps, worms, yabbies, pea-shell mussels, waterbugs

and even small frogs and fish eggs.

> During the day, platypus spend most of their time sleeping in burrows.

The mysterious and shy platypus is a

unique Australian animal that can be found

along the Barwon River – if you are patient

enough to spot one.

There is much to love about a platypus, with its rubbery duck bill, webbed feet, furry body and fat, rudder-like tail.

Platypus, along with echidnas, are the only

monotremes, or egg-laying mammals on earth.

While platypus are relatively common in

Victoria, this protected species is classified as

vulnerable and populations are believed to be

in decline.

Barwon River through GeelongPlatypus living in healthy habitats

Development has caused increased erosion and loss of native vegetation along riverbanks, damaging the habitat of the platypus.Pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers and pollutants from stormwater systems can disrupt the aquatic food chain, reducing the food supply of platypus.

Threats to platypusAs much as we all love platypus, humans pose the most serious threat to the species.The enormous amount of water we take from the environment for urban, industrial and agricultural use results in reduced stream flows and declining water quality.

Preserve the platypusCorangamite CMA works with a range of partners and volunteers

to improve and protect the habitat of platypus.

Our activities include fencing off waterways to prevent stock access,

planting native trees along riverbanks and removing pest trees such

as willows and desert ash.

Litter washed into our waterways is a common threat – many platypus die after getting tangled in fishing line or caught in plastic six-pack rings.Foxes, cats and even dogs can prey on platypus, so keep your pooch on a lead when walking along the Barwon River!

Platypus store up to 50 per cent of their body fat in their tail.

Male platypus have a poisonous spur behind their hind legs.

Baby platypus are called “puggles” or “platypups”.

Platypus are solitary animals that don’t form social groups or family units.

Fun factsPlatypus can hold their breath for up to 14 minutes underwater.

Platypus fur is denser than a polar bear’s, with 600-900 hairs per square millimetre – this keeps their body dry underwater.