With the support of local landholders who allowed access to the river, a series of in-stream wood structures were strategically placed in the Mitchell River near Wuk Wuk.
The structures serve multiple functions aimed at benefiting the existing platypus populations by providing essential food and shelter.
Lindenow South Primary School students were very excited about assisting with this project, spending weeks researching everything they could about platypuses.
On the morning before working onsite, the students collaborated with local NRM contractors, Wildlife Unlimited within their classroom to recreate platypus habitat, reinforcing the importance of their contribution to the project.
Once onsite on the banks of the Mitchell River the students rolled up their sleeves, donned their gloves and planted vegetation suitable for the riverbank site.
This hands-on activity was not only educational but also very rewarding for the students who were enthusiastic about getting the plants in the ground.
As the vegetation establishes, it will complement the habitat structures by providing a whole range of benefits.
Some of these benefits include reducing sediment runoff into the river, improving water quality, providing habitat for terrestrial animals, food for aquatic animals and shade for the water, which helps control water temperature during the hotter months.
The Mitchell River is a lifeline for local communities, providing habitat for wildlife, recreational opportunities and essential resources.
Ongoing work includes enhancing a targeted priority area along the Mitchell River floodplain, spanning from Glenaladale to Lind Bridge upstream of Bairnsdale.
Priority frontages along the lower Mitchell River have been identified for stock exclusion fencing initiatives.
Weed control and revegetation effort will also be carried out.
Over the past three years, a collaborative effort involving multiple partners has concentrated on enhancing and diversifying an area along the lower Mitchell River.
Working together to benefit the environment is what makes projects like this so special.
The collaboration between local landholders, who provide access and support and students, who bring energy, enthusiasm and hard work demonstrates that partnerships are the key to protecting species like the platypus and the environment for future generations.
