Positive platypus result highlights importance of urban creek health
Published on 18 November 2025
A significant increase in water samples testing positive for platypus DNA has shown the elusive species is persisting in Ipswich urban creeks.
Ipswich City Council Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson Councillor Jim Madden said results were in from the 10th annual environmental DNA (eDNA) survey which was conducted in June and focused on five urban creeks where platypus had been detected historically.
“Forty water samples were taken across Bundamba, Six Mile, Woogaroo, Opossum and Sandy creeks, with 12 samples returning positive results and another five showing the possible presence of platypus,” Cr Madden said.
“After several years of low detection rates, it is encouraging to see an increase in positive eDNA results.
“However the results indicate that Ipswich’s platypus population is fragmented and our urban creeks require ongoing protection and restoration to ensure this species’ survival.”
Cr Madden said there were many pressures on urban creeks that impacted species such as platypus, including erosion and sediment, pollutants, and degraded banks and vegetation.
“Council continues to take action to address these issues in priority areas, but it is important for the whole community to care for our urban creeks. One great example is the Bundamba Creek Bushcare Group who hold monthly working bees at Fail Park,” Cr Madden said.
“Another site on Bundamba Creek at Rotary Park, where we recently hosted a National Tree Day planting, required a significant rubbish removal before the event. Crews cleaned up a 100-metre stretch of the creek and filled a 10 cubic metre skip with rubbish, including 17 car tyres.
“Revegetation of this site with native plants will help strengthen the eroded banks and will grow to provide the habitat that species like platypus need.
“These urban creeks are the lifeblood for many species, including platypus, and we need to work together to ensure they are healthy and resilient.”