Platypuses have historically been found in Toongabbie Creek up until around 1951. Recent reports of platypus sightings in Toongabbie, Coopers and Quarry Branch creeks during 2005 led Council to undertake some surveys of these creeks. Trained observers undertook surveys in March 2006 and 2007, however, they failed to confirm the platypus sightings.
Although the surveys did not identify any platypuses, this does not mean that they are not living in the area. As they historically occurred in the area, we have had recent reports of them, and there is some habitat in these creeks that is often associated with the occurrence of platypuses, we cannot exclude their presence.
However, if platypuses are still present, their numbers must be very small and they are probably very mobile.
Following the surveys in 2006 and 2007, Council developed a Platypus Recovery Plan with Dr. Tom Grant to help improve habitat conditions in Toongabbie and Quarry Branch Creeks to make them more suitable for platypuses.
Some of the actions in the plan include:
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