Help Keep Our Waterways Safe for Platypus and Wildlife

Published on 01 October 2025

Reports of two deceased platypus at Maitland Point, Rocky River, where recently confirmed by an environmental officer at Uralla Shire Council. Although unable to confirm a cause of death, the Australian Platypus Conservancy has suggested that they may have drowned in an ‘Opera-house’ style trap used for catching yabbies. Residents are reminded that these traps have been illegal to use in NSW for a number of years. Residents can surrender old Opera-house traps to the council for disposal free of charge, and to report any opera house style traps in use in the area. Residents are also reminded that Platypus are protected in NSW under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. 

On a brighter note, numerous reports of Platypus sightings with the Uralla township have been occurring during this spring, with one sighting recorded on video just below the bowling club. Residents are encouraged to report sightings (with or without photo) to either the Australian Platypus Conservancy or iNaturalist. Injured wildlife, including Platypus, can be reported to WIRES New England on 1300 094 737, or northern tablelands wildlife carers on 1800 008 290 or text 0408 555 719. If residents do find an injured platypus, they can place a damp towel over it and contain with a large cardboard box, but handling is not recommended as the males do possess a venomous spur which can inflict a serious wound. Landholders with river frontage should be mindful of Platypus habitat, eliminating pollutant runoff (such as livestock effluent, fertiliser, pesticide, and hydrocarbons such as motor oils), maintaining good native riparian vegetation, such as sedges and grasses and maintaining instream timber debris. For further information on this click here for the Australian Platypus Conservancy website.

Residents can drop off old Opera House yabby traps at the Uralla Waste Management Facility free of charge for safe disposal.