Hi everyone,
Just a quick update, we've been busy here as you can imagine. Thanks so much for caring! :)
So this is the 'after' photo of the platypus habitat, with the large tree removed that the platypuses were frequently sighted swimming beneath, usually a good indicator for a burrow.
There's no doubt that the works need to go ahead here (flood mitigation) ....we're just investigating if they were done well enough, with enough consideration given for the large number of platypus that live in this area.
This is definitely not the first time this scenario has occurred here in Tassie. I've been involved in a few similar incidents, during which we have attempted to educate planners about platypus habitat. Sadly that information doesn't seem to be getting through to the contractors on the ground. We have had a member working in this exact area for years now, monitoring and advising council.
The NRE (Natural Resources & Environment) have been helpful in providing us with the reports that they have re this work, and we are taking a look at them presently. We'll also attempt to formalise this petition re our intentions & the people we're sending it to soon.
TPCG members unlike most parties involved in this incident are not paid for our work, and we're essentially unfunded, as we spend our time trying to fix these issues.... as opposed to applying for grants that are often unobtainable.
More information, as we have it.
Have a relaxing weekend, Viv