Platypuses are now officially listed as vulnerable in Victoria. This makes the Black Spur Creek Wetland Project, and other work of Landcare and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA), all the more important. Platypuses inhabit the Tarwin River and we see them in the Black Spur Creek Wetland project area.
Fortunately the 7th February landslip, which has caused partial (so far) closure of the South Gippsland Highway, does not seem to impact directly on the river or the fossil site. We may have more information on the implications in coming days and weeks.
As we undertake our monthly bird monitoring, Landcare members watch, with interest, the massive landscape changes being undertaken during highway construction. We’re hanging on to our long term vision of “a beautiful natural area” with “its unique ecological functions and features protected and restored.” We’re urging the various land managers – Major Road Projects Victoria, Vic Roads, South Gippsland Shire, and WGCMA to take a coordinated and integrated approach to weed control and vegetation restoration.
It’s great to see our president, Sue Miles, is recovering well at home and is still taking a keen interest in this project.