Platypus alliance receives water grant

THE Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance has been awarded a $20,000 grant to restore and enhance local river systems to allow platypus to survive long term.

The funding has come from Greater Western Water’s Thriving Communities grants and sponsorship program.

The alliance will use the funding to develop a mentorship program and resources for the building industry about practical ways to contain building waste.

“One of the focuses of that will be polystyrene waffle pods which blow away really easily in the wind,” alliance president Dr Jodie Valpied said.

“It’s working with the construction industry on how to help prevent that happening.”

Litter audits conducted by the alliance at the Werribee River in Bacchus Marsh have found up to 99 per cent of the waste collected has come from building sites.

It is estimated the section of the Werribee River between Bacchus Marsh Weir and Melton Reservoir is home to at least 30 platypuses.

“That is a viable population worth looking after that could survive into the future,” Dr Valpied said.

“[We] also don’t want that population to drop any lower because its future could be in trouble if it does drop lower.”

Building waste in the river can cause the animals to become entangled and can also cause water bugs, which are the platypuses’ food, to become toxic or die.

Greater Western Water received a record number of applications for the program this year and awarded more than $180,000 in grants and sponsorships to 28 groups.

“We’re supporting more projects than ever before, and we can’t wait to see them come to life over the next 12 months,” Greater Western Water’s general manager of strategy and partnerships Kessia Thomson said.

“We’re supporting a diverse range of projects that will support positive livability, education, sustainability, and health and wellbeing outcomes for our customers and communities across every corner of our service region.”

The program is now in its fourth year and has funded more than 90 projects.