Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre

Telephone02 4324 7200

Emailrumbalara-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Platypus education kit

The aim of this education kit is to reduce the problem of platypus injury and death while at the same time ensuring appropriate habitat management and the protection of riparian zones.

This education kit

This Platypus Education Kit has been produced with funding provided by the Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (HCRCMA) through its Environmental Education Grants. For further information contact Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre: rumbalara-e.school@det.nsw.edu.au

The problem

A platypus caught within a yabby trap

Platypuses are being accidentally caught in yabby traps and drowned.

These traps are illegal wherever platypuses are found, however many people are not aware of the issues or regulations that have been set (by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Department of Primary Industries).

People buy the traps to catch yabbies, not dead platypuses. Which brings up the important question of why they weren't warned that the anticipation of catching yabbies could so easily turn to shame and sorrow when confronted with a platypus they have accidentally killed? How can we warn people of the danger posed by these traps?

A platypus caught within a yabby trap
Image: A platypus caught within a yabby trap

Platypus Awareness and Conservation Team

The Platypus Awareness and Conservation Team (PACT) was formed in 2004 after Steve Woodley, a local resident living in one of the Wyong valleys. Contacted Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre about his concerns of platypus injury and deaths associated with illegal yabby traps.

The group formed with the aim of stopping the accidental drowning of platypuses in yabby traps on the Central Coast by raising community awareness that:

  •  platypuses live in local creeks and rivers
  •  platypuses get caught and drown in yabby traps
  •  it is illegal to use yabby traps where platypuses live.

Platypus Country. Yabby traps prohibited poster

Signs

Wyong Council provided funding for 11 metal road signs at $100 each (a photo of the sign can be seen on the right). These signs were located alongside water catchment signs at a number of visible locations in the rural areas of Wyong Shire.

An information sign was funded through an Australian Geographic grant and located the Woodbury Inn Reserve. The metal sign was costed at $3000. The site was chosen because it is a popular reserve and there are known sightings of platypus at the nearby creek. An additional sign has been installed at the Ourimbah rest area.

Attendance at community events

The PACT team provides displays at a number of community events and festivals. The major focus for the year is the annual PACT platypus information day at Glenola Farm.

Platypus links

Museum in a box

This great resource, in particular, the platypus diorama is the focus of a great deal of attention at awareness raising functions. Schools in NSW are able to hire it from the Australian Museum.

A large wooden sign for the campaign.
A Platypus country sign.
Image: Wyong Council Platypus awareness sign.

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We would like to pay our respects and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and also pay respect to Elders both past and present.

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