Merri River makeover aims to create platypus paradise

Those old cypress trees along the Merri River at Jubilee Park (Wurrumbit Birrng Yaar) are about to get the boot as part of a new project to create better habitat for the river's platypus population.

The Warrnambool City Council has partnered with the Glenelg-Hopkins Catchment Management Authority to revamp the riverbank with native species, creating an environment where platypus and other native Aussie creatures can thrive.

“We’ve got a great opportunity to restore habitat that suits native animals including platypus,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain said. “We know that trees such as willow and cypress along our rivers reduce habitat and food supply for aquatic Australian animals.”

“They degrade the river bank and compete with native plants. The project will benefit not only platypus but also native fish, birds and invertebrates.”

Some of the cypresses have already toppled from recent winds, giving the council perfect timing to tackle the project. The non-native trees aren't doing our river ecosystem any favours — they degrade riverbanks, outcompete native plants, and reduce habitat and food for native wildlife.

If you're planning an April stroll through the northern end of Jubilee Park, you'll need to rethink your route. The area will be closed from March 31 to April 11 while tree removal happens, with some sections remaining off-limits through May.

A small price of inconvenience to pay for our furry duck-billed, egg-laying, beaver-tailed, web-limbed, stomach-lacking, somehow also venomous(??) but extremely adorable biofluorescenct freaks. Oh, and they also don’t have nipples, but they still lactate. How, you ask? They “sweat” milk out onto their fur, which their young then lap up.

Cool and weird! And they're coming to a river near you!

The planting phase kicks off in June (weather permitting), with native trees, shrubs and grasses going in through August.

It's a solid win for the platypus population, which has faced its share of challenges in urban waterways. The project aligns with the council's Green Warrnambool strategy, aiming to boost biodiversity across the board – native fish, birds and invertebrates all stand to benefit.

So while your autumn walks might need a detour, come spring you can expect a more authentic Aussie riverscape — one where platypus might actually want to hang out.

_{Thumbnail: Wikimedia Commons.}