Ipswich platypus population wiped out, investigation launched into water pollution

A severe decline in Ipswich’s platypus population has sparked an investigation into the health of local waterways.

A new report into Ipswich waterways has revealed a dismal finding — there has been a severe decline in the region’s platypus population.

The results of the Ipswich City Council’s 2021-2022 platypus monitoring program said research suggested there was a “severe decline in local platypus populations”.

“(It) is concerning and emphasises some key threats to the health of our waterways, and the importance of council’s ongoing monitoring and waterway improvement programs,” the report stated.

Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland's Tamielle Brunt takes a platypus DNA sample. Picture: Wildlife Queensland

As a result of the report, Ipswich councillors unanimously agreed to investigate and look for ways to reduce sediment-laden run-off entering waterways to mitigate the pollution which is likely “adversely impacting platypus habitat”.

“Council [will also] continue to deliver the ongoing annual platypus monitoring program, as well as waterway health projects to improve water quality and habitat condition to protect the city’s remaining few platypus populations,” the report stated.

State-wide concern for the shy native animal has been growing since devastating floods hit Queensland and New South Wales in late February.

The Ipswich region was significantly affected by the 2022 floods as many family struggle to recover more than half a year on. Picture: Liam Kidston

The disaster prompted ecologists to call for the platypus to be categorised nationally as a threatened species as their numbers continue to decline across the states.

In 2016 the council partnered with Wildlife Queensland to track the local platypus population using environmental DNA surveys.

Over the past seven years the region’s platypus population was monitored six times.

Local platypus were known to frequent the following waterways; Kholo Gardens, Kholo Bridge, Woogaroo Creek, Opossum Creek, Bundamba Creek, Six Mile and Sandy Creek at Camira.