Free forum on flippered friends

DID you know Moorabool has a local platypus population? A free session running next month aims to share what’s being done to help them, and what the community can do too.

Hosted by the Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance (BMPA), a non-profit community association, the free BacchChat session on 11 May will be held from 10am to 12pm at the Lerderderg Library.

The group, which formed in November 2019, has grown from five members to more than 50, and protects, monitors, and raises awareness about platypus in the Bacchus Marsh area, including in the Werribee River.

BMPA President, Jodie Valpied, encouraged locals to attend the session and learn more about the amazing critters.

“We’ll be sharing updates about our local platypuses in the rivers of Bacchus Marsh, including photos, videos, and details of some of the individual platypuses that live here,” Dr Valpied said.

“Platypus scientists have been helping find out more about our local platypuses, so this has given us further information.

“We’ll also share tips for seeing platypuses, and ideas about how local people can help keep these platypuses safe, and the benefits this has for everyone. For example, a cleaner river means happier people too.”

The session will also cover things Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance has been doing to help keep local platypuses safe, including litter cleanups, talking to local community groups and schools, and talking to local government and state government departments about sediment pollution and litter entering the river.

“We will also have a platypus model on display, showing the amazing and unique anatomy of the platypus,” Dr Valpied said.

For more information on the session and to register your interest, visit the Moorabool Libraries Facebook page and search ‘platypus’.